The Crazy Daisy

my new weightloss blog!

2010-07-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have just created a new blog dedicated to my NEW journey to a healthier ME!! I will update this blog daily with an exercise journal, food journal and my trials and successes! So please join me...i would LOVE to see you there!!!

http://www.melsfitjourney.blogspot.com/

I love my new crazy blog......

2010-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

This is a blog post JUST to let you know i heart my other blog more.......check it out. It needs some visitors...its a little lonely there...i can even hear echos!!!

www.housewifewithroadrage.blogspot.com

check it.......

I have a second blog...

2010-02-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

Hola friends! Just wanted to let you all know that I have a second blog. One that is designated especially for all my alter ego's...and the more SASSY side of Melissa herself!! It might contain bad words...and high doses of my warped sense of humor...so please enter at your own risk!!!

http://housewifewithroadrage.blogspot.com

I hope everyone is off to a great start to their New Year!!!

School + GOD = A GOOD thing!

2009-11-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

*If you are a non Christian...please do not take offence..this is just my personal opinion and my core values (not to mention MY blog). I never look down or judge anyone for their own beliefs and choices.

Often people ask me why me and my husband pay so much money to send our kids to a private Christian school. The first thing that I always say is this, "I believe that our children are gifts of the Lord. We are responsible to train them according to His Word not only at home and in church, but in school as well." Christian school educators teach all subject matter from a Christian context. They put the Bible at the center of the curriculum and ask students to evaluate all they see in the world through the eyes of God. I think it is SO important for me and my family to view everything we do through the eyes of god and through his LOVE for us. I am no perfect being (far from perfect..totally wicked far actually ) and I don't always see life through God's eyes..but God's strength is MY core, and even when i stray off the path..I can be rest assured that God will pull me back and back in the right direction. I can go on and on about the small class sizes, extra attention, and the fact that Christian schools offer a better level of instruction. There is no question about it. The test scores over a long period of years are conclusive. The annual Stanford Achievement Test administered to first through eighth grade Christian school students in the western states shows these students to be seven to nineteen months ahead of the national norm in reading, and seven to thirteen months ahead of the national norm in all subject areas. BUT....All that for me is simply icing on the cupcake. GOD'S word is why I choose to send them to their school. Below are some pictures inside Anna's classroom.

Anna says to me, "Mommy look me and God share the same Birthday month!" *SIGH* seriously, it does not get any sweeter than that!!

This is my most favorite poster hanging in the classroom!
amen!

I hope everyone has a blessed day! Love to you all!

Randomness at it's finest...

2009-11-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have so many random thoughts swirling around my brain like little tornado's. So...This little Blog post is dedicated to random thoughts served to you on a silver platter straight from a very quirky mind...that would be my mind....

First things first. Never go to bed with wet hair...but always brush your teeth at least twice a day...and floss to..i DO this now, but I hate it. Which is a random thought in itself. Why do people hate to floss? It really does not take up to much time...but everyone just despises it! Everyone knows they really should do it...but they don't! Me included...it's so weird, and make NO sense what so ever.

Second of all...why in the world is there a baby fly flying around me right now? Is this not the time of year that flies die and disappear into holes or something? Did this fly hatch too late or what? Maybe he did NOT get the memo. Either way..he will see his death today if I lay my eyes on him again.

Have any of you seen the movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun"? I watch that every night in bed. I get lost in that movie...pretending that I am Diane Lane..running away and buying a Villa In Tuscany...really living. Someday maybe.

Routine. I know that when you have three kids..routine is essential. But I'm so not routine...Sometimes I think i am to adventuress and spontaneous for my own good. When the kids are all away at college working on their phd's...I'm gonna wake up some mornings and go online, buy a random plane ticket (Italy or Hawaii preferably) and just GO...no thinking..just flying away.

Spaghetti tacos..think about it...it could be a good thing!

Is it weird that I spell check stuff like every three minutes, oppose to just doing it all at once at the end of my writing?

Oh...and here is a random thought that has really been weighing me down. If you DVR something, does it still get credit for the shows ratings? I worry that the shows that i LOVE are not getting credit because I am DVR ing them oppose to watching them live? Any thoughts on this?? Anyone? anyone?

SPELLCHECK....

Seriously...I am a HORRIBLE speller, it is so embarrassing! Is there a way to get better at that? Or did i just miss out on something in like third grade, and now I'm just screwed?

do you notice that in the grocery stores they put all the really surgery crappy for you cereals at the bottom for the kids to see...and all the healthy stuff wayyyy at the top? Check it out...they do!

You know..This thought is just way to deep..especially following a thought regarding cereal placement. But really...sometimes i DO NOT get life...and what is thrown at you at certain times? Why people come into your life at the wrong times...it's so frustrating! I can only hope that someday down the road it will make sense..but it sucks at the time when it makes NO sense at all!!

Is it wrong that when i smile at a complete stranger to make their day brighter, and they look back at me with a glare...that i wanna then smack them in the head...hard? Why cant people just SMILE?

squirrels love to eat pumpkins. Why do i know this? Well...i grew my own pumpkins this year with visions of having lots and lots of pumpkins on my porch until THANKSGIVING...ya well...they ate all 10 of them!! Those furry little animals are lucky that I love them so much.

My college team plays tomorrow morning at 10:00am...is 10:00am to early for hot wings and beer?

I can walk into a Barnes and Nobel and get lost in their for hours..i think i may have to make a trip very soon.

This morning 2 of my kids were putting oatmeal ON top of toast..i seriously threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Holy mother of all that's pretty...bless your heart if you made it to the end of this crazy...blog consisting of complete non sense!! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend...I mean that too ;-)

p.s. I totally think that fly was a literary insect..because i have not seen him once since the start of this post! He must have read that insert about him and got the heck out of dodge! Smart fly he is!!

Thursday Thankfulls & Hot dogs in the snow!

2009-11-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Wow...either I have a had a crazy busy last few months, or lacking some caffeinated creativity. I think it's a mixture of both! It's fall now...and things are winding down..well kinda. I really miss reading and writing my Blogs...so here I am..kicking it off with some Thursday Thankfulls:

1. God and his forgiveness

2. 2nd chances

3. My wonderful..rockin awesome 3 kids

4. Egg nogg lattes from Starbucks..had my first one of the season yesterday...yummo

5. Snuggling with my girls in my bed at night reading good books

6. Art and books

7. the fact that the older i get..the more silly i get!! =p

8. prayer

9. Friends

10. Snow days...me and the kids grilled out hot dogs IN THE BLIZZARD....so much fun!

Oh how I mis blogging....I hope everyone has a great day..and a blessed week!

Friday Confessions...whoop..

2009-08-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Oh man i miss doing Friday confessions!MMMkay....lets see what Melissa has been up to:

1. I said Dude...a lot at Michael's back to school night. Everyone knows that I heart the word dude...but i should prob try and refrain from saying it in front of his teachers! Although Michael's little peeps appreciated it!!

2. Titanic...that's all I can say about that. Sweet confessions...and this is one that I will NEVER regret

3. oops i did it again...again i cant go in to detail on this one either...but i had to get it off my chest!! Phew...i feel so much better =)

4. I have only flipped off one person in the car this week..but still that's not a good thing, I hate the "When Melissa gets behind the wheel personality", she can be so ugly!!

5. I watched Twilight 6 times this week!

6. I'm pretty sure I said Edwards name in the night double that!!

7. I have ate the same thing for lunch and dinner since Monday..except once. Ham and Swiss on rye. Its not really something to confess...but it's just weird!

8. I have had Starbucks way to many times to even confess..i mean remember!

9. I smoked a cigar one night on the front porch by myself one night at like 10:30pm...Who does that???

10. I washed the same load of towels that are in the washer 3 times..maybe 4!

11. Oh ya...seriously i almost hit this kid on a bike

12. I love the new Miley Cyrus song, climb. This is just so wicked embarrassing..the fact that I am actually publicly confessing about it ...is crazy!!

13. As always on the list...watching cartoons ALONE!

14. Okay..i am adding onto confession #4. I feel i need to explain here! I am a "Grandma driver" I have kids (my precious kids) in the car...so I drive the speed limit and I DO NOT..I repeat DO NOT turn left on orange arrows or lights. So its the people that ride my a$$ and yell at me that get me mad..and i end up flipping them off.. and at times i even get out of the car (at an orange lights) throw up my arms and yell out, "Wanna go?"

15. hmmm...#15...i need one more confession. I cannot stop at 14, that's just weird...so....lets see...okay..here is one...Allie has had a crappy (literally) diaper the whole time I have been writing this blog post..I totally should have changed her by now..but I was on a roll!!! But ya...I'd better go take care of that business!!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!

Thursday Thankfulls

2009-08-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Holy wow...I have not been here in a looong time...It's funny how I always come back on a Thursday... just in time for Thursday Thankfulls!! I always loVe to say out loud the things around me that make me oh so happy and grateful!! So...here is my list for the week:

God....of course #1

My family

Unexpected Love...like the kind in Titanic!

Best friends who make ME a better ME

Health..and striving to be healthy...omg..i totally have to update you all on my weightloss!! 27 pounds!!!! woo to the HOOOOO!!!

The gym membership that Stacie got me =)

Ham and swiss on Rye =)

Coffee...with hazelnut of course!!

Strangers who smile at me =)

DVR...oh how i love my dvr!!!

Facebookin

Red Bull...yummy

Laughter

Candles

Time....

mountains

dreams

Freedom of choice

Creating memories with my kids...DAILY

My ability to live each day like it's my very last
Soul mates

I can't wait to catch up with all my blogging friends, i hope you are all doing great....I will be back tomorrow with Friday confessions!!!! Bahahahahahhah =)

Thursday Thank fulls

2009-05-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

My husband

My wonderful kids

My parents, little sister and Gabe

JennyKate and Renee

Exersize

Red Bull

My ipod touch

My church and my pastor (these two totally come before red bull and ipod)

My ability to pick a lock with a credit card. Allie my 2 yr old locked herself in my bedroom..i could not get it open...i tried and tried...i was so afraid that i would have to call the fire dept. Expecially since i was naked..i had just got out of the shower..and for once the laundry was totally clean and put away..i had NOTHING to put on!!! Luckily after about 15 min. I got the door opened!!

The big tree in my front yard

My trip coming up in 8 days to see Jennykate and Renee in Oklahoma!!

Farm town on face book...i am such a nerd..but it makes my day just so much fun!

Summer break..it officially starts here today at 3:45pm!!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! =)

weightloss update!

2009-05-27T06:33:00.001-07:00

Wow...I'm just so proud of myself! I am still going strong with my " Weight loss Journey". I feel so great! I have to confess that my one single obstacle is WEEKENDS!! They get me every single week! It is perfectly acceptable to reward yourself once a week, just NOT the whole weekend! During the week...It's like nothing can get in my way, I really just need to figure out some balance on the weekends.

Here are some new things that I have started doing since I started:

I have never been a HUGE fish fan..I mean it's okay..but it was never my first choice. I knew to take my progress up a notch, I had to up my protein intake. I bought those Gordman's Fish fillets in the frozen section at the store. I love the garlic butter ones!! They are sooo yummy and super easy to prepare! I just throw them on the grill with my asparagus..and its an awesome meal! Speaking of asparagus...people always ask how i prepare it. I lay some out on foil, brush it with some extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with some sea salt and a little bit of garlic powder, and grill it!! It delish and sooo good for you!

I have been drinking 1 gallon of water per day. It seems like a lot, but with my pink nalgene bottle that holds 32 ounces, i know its just 4 of those..it makes it not seem so bad. I have that bottle by my side always! When I'm on the couch, in the car, outside...everywhere!!

I am still doing Sparkpeople.com religiously..well except for the weekends! Which HAS to stop!!

It's crazy how my lifestyle is changing! Me and my husband had a date night planned for a few weeks ago. Instead of doing it at night, I switched it to a date DAY. Typically we go out in the evening for some huge dinner with drinks. Instead we went for lunch at a cute place in the mountains (We had a buffalo burgers) Then we went for a hike!

I have increased my exercise schedule. Here is my week schedule as of now:

Mon, wed, Fri- Tae Bo in the morning, EA Sports game on the Wii in the afternoon and Abs

Tue, Thur, Sat- Tae Bo in the morning, Running outside at night. Anywhere between 30-60 min

Sunday- Rest day

I am participating in a half marathon (13.6 miles) in September. I tend to be very goal oriented, so I figured that would be something great to work for...and it will be an awesome accomplishment when I complete it!!

New things that I cannot live without:

My new ipod touch...I could never run without it!! I LOVE IT!!

My new EA Sports game for the Wii. If you have a wii...you have to get this!! Bob Harper (Oprahs trainer) worked with EA games to create this! It is a fabulous workout! It combines cardio with strength training! I LOVE it..it is sooo worth the 60.00!

Red Bull!!

My fitness watch, I got it a Target for like 45.00. Among several things..it's a pedometer and it tells you how many calories you have burned by how many steps you have taken.

My new food scale

DVR...Oh wait that has nothing to do with weigh loss does it?? hehe

Anyone can do this too! I'm not gonna lie...it's a pain in the butt to get going...but once you do..its addicting! The energy you create by exercising is addicting! It feels amazing!! Again...I am ALWAYS here for moral support!!

Tip Junkie

2009-05-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

OMG.....Today I was featured on TipJunkie.com!! I love her website, and I am honored to have been chosen!! Yay...check it out HERE! Her web site is so very handy...lots of wonderful tips!!

Please HELP me...pleeeeeease!

2009-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to everyone~

Five years ago this month I made a promise to my 6th grade teacher, and dear friend that I would do whatever I could to help find a cure for Cancer. I was at her bed side when I made that promise and it was three days before she passed away to cancer.

The following four years after her dying, I was the event chair for My city's Relay for life. Relay for life is a huge event that raises money for the American Cancer society. This year I am a team Captain for the 2009 Relay. If you would like to donate any amount of money to my personal fund raising goal I would appreciate it SO MUCH! If you donate, you can email me your address and I will send you a purple HOPE bracelet, and you can wear it in honor or in memory of someone dear to you.

Together WE can make a difference!!

My email:

Melissadewitt210@yahoo.com

My Relay link (to make a donation) :

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=70696254297&h=q27rF&u=Ww3TV&ref=mf

* To find a local Relay for life in your area to participate in, just google your city, and Relay for life!!!

Melissa's weight loss journey...

2009-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all my beautiful friends!

I wanted to share with all of you my new weight loss journey, and what I am doing to "BE" on this path. I'm really really on it this time, and it FEELS amazing! It's very simple actually:

Food:
Okay...this aspect of my weight loss is HUGE!! I have read this vital tip and been told this tip and I have seen it on TV. But for some reason...when my friend Lisa told me this about three weeks ago, I FINALLY believed it!

You have to EAT to loose weight!!!!!

I NEVER would believe this in the past! My brain was programmed that the less food I consumed, the more weight I would loose. I know that sounds silly, but it's what I believed. That is why I was always just stumbling on the path in the past. I could sometimes manage to loose some weight, but it all depended on my "Will power" to not eat so much. I now know that it has NOTHING to do with will power it's all about "The way power". (I made that up..hehe) Okay..so here is "The way"!

I joined SparkPeople.com. This is a FREE website to help track your calorie intake. When you sign up, it has you input all your info and it sets up a plan for you with how much calorie's to consume and how much to exercise. You get to create your own spark page, this allows you to network with other people that are on the same PATH with you! If you sign up...which YOU NEED TO, my screen name is ColoradoBeauty. Add me as a friend and we can take the journey together!! You can go in and look at my food log anytime! The biggest thing I love about Spark, is that it's not a diet..you can eat pretty much anything..just in moderation! It "teaches" you how to eat the right way.

Spark pages recommended that I eat between 1200-1500 calories a day. I have chosen to eat only 1200 calories per day. That may not seem like a lot to some people...but I will tell you this. When you are actually eating healthy..it's dang hard for me to even reach 1200 calories a day! It feels like I am eating constantly! You have to eat 6 times a day. Breakfast (something I always use to skip) then a snack, lunch then another snack, dinner, and one last snack 2 hours before bedtime. See before spark pages, I would skip breakfast, then I was starving by lunch so I would eat some crazy huge portion of something totally not healthy, then I would eat a small dinner and close the day by eating lots of fattening snacks at night while watching Biggest Loser! So It seemed like I was not eating all that much...but in reality I bet I was probably consuming at least 1500-2500 calories per day!!

I am NOT and never have been a big breakfast eater (Unless it involved breakfast burritos from Wendy's or ham and cheese croissants from Burger king) so I knew I needed to find something that I loved and something HEALTHY. Here is where my friend Lisa came in again. She eats Special K with red berries everyday. The only problem is that I HATE milk! I bought Silk Vanilla soy to eat with it...I was very cautious the first few times just because the word SOY grosses me out. But it is sooooo good...I'm so serious people..it tastes so good! I eat that EVERYDAY! So yes...BREAKFAST is a huge deal for me, I never really ate breakfast, and wow...it really starts your day off good!

My lunches are usually a lean cuisine, I love them there is such a variety. I can get my Mexican food fix or my pasta fix this way!

For dinner I usually eat a salad and chicken breast cooked on my handy George Foreman grill.

For snacks I love to eat: Special K bars (raspberry and choc drizzle) all types of berries, apples, Quaker mini delights and yogurt with a little bit of grape nuts on top. I love cheese...but I'm cutting that out for the time being, just has so much fat. I have learned that the snacks are so important..they keep your metabolism up and running!

Guess what Taco Bell has a menu called the "Fresco menu" It's there contribution for people seeking "Healthy fast food". I love the Fresco burrito...so yummy!!
You can stalk my food log at Spark people anytime to see what I am eating =)

So that there is the 411 on what I am doing with my Food. Like I said food=weight loss!! Wow...what a concept...I wish I would have believed this sooner!!

Exercise:

At first I started out with just 30 min. per day of "Intentional" cardio exercise. This usually consisted of a 25 min Tae Bo video tape. (I heart Tae Bo) Or I would use my Wii fit board for 30-40 min doing the advanced step aerobics and the running in place.

I am now doing the 30 min Tae Bo tape, or 30 min of high intensity aerobics. I then run in place with my wii fit for 2 miles. So I am now exercising for about an hour a day.

I purchased a fitness watch at Target. It tells me how many calories I have burned each day, as well as how many steps I have taken. They say you should walk 10,000 steps per day. I have been averaging 17,000 steps. It's fun to see how high I can get each day. I love the fitness watch!!

Very soon I am going to start mixing in some Pilate's and strength training, I just wanted to hit the cardio hard at first to burn some of this fat off!!

I have been exercising 6 days a week.

So ya..that's the exercise portion! Pretty simple! You know what though? It is AMAZING to me how good I feel from just exercising everyday! It makes me feel sooo good throughout the day! It even seems to have given me more patience with life (you know the little things..like husbands and kids..lol) I did learn that I have to exercise in the morning sometime, by the late afternoon...I just don't have the energy like I do in the morning. Even if you work outside the home...just try and wake up a little earlier and get 30 min in before your shower, the 30 min loss of sleep will be worth the way you feel the whole day from exercising.

Random other tips:

WATER....I started out with a goal of 8 cups a day. Now that I am exercising more, my goal is a gallon per day. I have a pink Nalgene bottle that holds 32 ounces, so I shoot for 4 of those per day. I add lemon juice to the water, because I get so sick of drinking so much water plain.

GUM...when ever I get a sweet tooth (usually at night) or while watching biggest loser..hehe.. I chew Extra spearmint gum.

GOD..I should have put this on top. I know that everyone is not religious. But I happen to be very religious. I pray every night in my bubble bath, and for the past month...I have been just asking God for strength. Just for him to stick it out with me, so that I can be a healthy me. I know that he has been there, I KNOW IT!! I don't ask him to loose weight FOR ME...because it's ME who has to do the work, I just ask him to give me the strength to push through each day, and to be there with me through this journey.

CONSISTENCY...This is a BIG one for me..HUGE! Just stick with it...stay on the path and take ONE day at a time. I have always been one of those people who want results like an hour later...but they won't be there an hour later. You have to be patient and consistent, and the results WILL come...trust me I know this now!!

A free day. Everyone needs a free day, to eat the things you love in moderation. Although for me portion control is obviously still a problem, so I think I am going to skip the FREE day for now until I shed more weight. Yesterday I attempted to have free day and I ate enough pasta for 3 people and wayyy to much garlic bread..then I was like heck why not really go out with a bang..and I ate a little bag of sugar babies!! So this morning I am THREE pounds more!! So..you see..I stepped of the path for a moment. I woke up this morning and asked God to just stay with me today, because weighing 3 pounds more..my motivation was a little in the toilet this am. But with his help, I know that today is NEW day and I WILL push forward!! I can do it!!! so can you!!!

Wow...if you have made it this far...THANK YOU for listening!! I have done all the things above, CONSISTENTLY and I have lost 12 pounds so far (I still have 30 more to go). You can do it too, and I am ALWAYS here for moral support for anyone!! I will be making weight loss updates on here, or anything "new" that I learn along the way!!

p.s. when ever I need some motivation I visit the Spark page of "Jensfitjourney" it inspires me EVERY SINGLE TIME!! Look her up if you need to...or if you just need some extra motivation to get going!! Click HERE to read her story and to see her amazing pictures!

p.p.s On Sat night me and my husband went to a movie. I sat there and drank a bottle of water while he devoured a ice cold Coke and a bag of buttery popcorn!! Wow..if I can do that..I can do ANYTHING!!! hehe

Love to you all,

My first Swap...Spread the loVe...

2009-04-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to be entering my very first swap!! It is hosted by Mamarazzi over at Dandelion Wishes. She is only excepting 100 participants...so If you wanna enter..you better hurry on over because I was number 68! This swap is "You favorite things swap". Click HERE for further details and to enter!

Thursday Thank fulls

2009-04-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

I came back to blogging just in the nick of time! I get to start doing Thursday Thankfuls again with My JennyKate! So here we go my Thursday thankfuls:

- My mom called late last night to tell me that my dad's tests came back, and they thing his cancer is GONE!!! For this I am oh so thankful!!

- I am thankful that for the past 3 months i have been going to church consistently! I am so very thankful for my god..he is #1 in my life!!

- I am thankful that my kids and family are all safe and healthy

- My hard working amazing husband!

- My three amazing wonderful kids!!

(okay..now off to the silly things that DO still matter) =)

- I am thankful that we are all going to Eliches (six flags) on Sunday to support the American Cancer society! I am an adrenaline junkie...and I need a fix!!

- I am SOOO thankful for my wii fit!!

- I am thankful for special K with strawberries with vanilla soy milk, my new breakfast of champions!! It's soo yummy!!

- Coffee...always has to be on the list somewhere!

- nap time!! It's just been one of those weeks!

- people who inspire me to be a better ME!!

- My sister, JennyKate, Lisa

- Renee and her AMAZING sense of humor..I cannot wait to meet her in person!!

- For coming back to blogging! I missed it more than i thought, I so miss meeting new wonderful, friendly people!!

- This one is HUGE....My new path (that i have been on for 30 days) for a healthier life!! This will be it's own post tomorrow..maybe even later tonight! I'm so excited to share!!

-last but NOT least..face book!!! =)

It feels so wonderful to remember to be thankful for what we DO have oppose to what we don't have!! Remember to S M I L E....it truly has the power to change someones day!!

I'm back..I have missed this place!

2009-04-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my beautiful Blogging buddies!

I don't think I have been here since like early February! I think for some reason blogging reminded me of the baby..so it was painful to be here for awhile. I have missed everyone though...and I am soo ready to come back! I hope you all are doing great...I have been doing wonderful! I am loving that summer is approaching..I love being outside with the kids!

I have started an amazing weight loss journey that i am super excited about....I think I will blog about that tomorrow!

I'm happy to be back....I hope you all have the most wonderful day!! =)

Adventures...

2009-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

JenntKate tagged me:

Here's the Rule, bold the things you've done & post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (i will in the spring)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (i rode in the one in vegas) :)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (does the Wii count..lol)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied...(I think this one's too tricky to answer.)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

I can't wait to complete most of the things left on this list!

Okay im tagging:

1. michelle
2. gabe
3. Lu
4. Katie
5. french

Just to let everyone know...

2009-02-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday I went for my 12 week ultrasound and we found out that my baby passed away. This has been so hard. This pregnancy has been rough from the beginning, but I thought that I was finally out of the woods. I got to have a dozen ultrasounds done in the first trimester to check on her, so I got to see her grow right before my eyes. Last Wednesday morning I had to have surgery to have her removed. Sorry to have waited a week to let you all know, it's is just now that I can even manage to type anything out. I want to thank my sister for being there at that horrible doc appt and for not leaving my side for the following three days. Seriously...I don't know what I would have done without you there! Randy was gone all week, and that made it so much harder.

I am still so very sad, but I am just trying to focus on the three wonderful kids that God has already blessed me with. Randy and I still want to have a fourth child, and we plan to start trying this October. This baby will never ever be forgotten though....ever. Tomorrow I have a doc appt to get the tests back on the baby, My doctor ran some chromosome tests on her to see if she could find out what happened.

I also want to thank my blogging buddy Lu. She is so strong, and as I was being rolled to the OR, I was thinking of her and her daughter Olivia. She inspires me so much...I am so blessed to know this incredible woman! You can click here to be inspired by Lu!

I also want to thank my husband, for being so wonderful and caring, I love you so much Randy! JennyKate sent me the most beautiful flowers along with the best candy ever last week! Thanks JennyKate so much...you are so sweet and I just love you so much! My mom and dad are so sweet, they are going to put a stone for baby DeWitt in the family cemetery. Thank you mom and dad for being so sensetive and supporting.

I hope everyone has a brilliant week. The weather in Colorado this week looks like it will be amazing. I am going to take the kids to the zoo and try to make this a wonderful week.

This totally cracked me up!

2009-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know that most people play this game with there pets...and I promise we do not treat our kids like animals! But my husband was messing around with the Wii gun and Allie was having so much fun! It was hilarious...I just had to share!!

What I see when I look to the West...

2009-01-20T15:54:00.001-08:00

While my friend JennyKate was visiting over the weekend, we took some pictures of the mountains for her to take home. This is the view if you just look to the West from my house. I thought the pictures turned out pretty good, so I thought I would post them for you all to see! I love Colorado, it's so beautiful. Today and tomorrow it's 70 degrees!

This big mountain is called, "Long's peak" It's over 14,000 feet. My husband is dying to climb it...but I refuse to let him go!!

I hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

My most amazing Birthday weekend!!

2009-01-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wow...this was only the single most amazing Birthday EVER! My little sister (and bestest friend) surprised me with my close friend JennyKate! You all know her from Jennykate's spot! I am so happy that you came JennyKate...seeing you was beyond words...it was so surreal to actually see her! Me and JennyKate met on the computer. We talk on the phone constantly and we have been friends for about a year, but we had never seen eachother. My sister and brother in law picked her up from the airport and hid her all day on Friday, later that night they brought her to Fridays for my Birthday dinner. Here is a video clip from that most amazing moment:

The best husband ever, me and JennyKate!

We just had to go see Twilight together! It was both our 3rd time..hehe
JennyKate had NEVER had sushi...so you bet we headed to the Sushi Bar! She loved it...The Saki...not so much!

THEN...as if JennyKate was not enough of a birthday surprise, my mom and sister through me a surprise party....a TWILIGHT party!!

This was only the BEST cake EVER!!!!!

Look at the apples on the table...my mom was so cute with all the Twilight details! She even made Blood red punch!!

Ummmm ya.....my sister and Gabe bought me the iCarly charades game...i will so kick butt at this!! hehe

Thank you to my wonderful sister for bringing JennyKay here and for this amazing and unforgettable Birthday!!

This has been just the best weekend! To top it off me and JennyKate are sitting here side by side blogging!! How crazy is that??

cartoon confessions...

2009-01-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

Okay so I don't want you to think that all we do around here is watch T.V. But the kids MOST DEFINITELY do get TV time! Usually while they watch I try and clean and get things done....BUT I have to confess that a lot of the time I watch with them! Over the past years...i have seen some crazy cartoons...and i was thinking that maybe i would put all these critiques and confessions floating around in my head into a blog! I mean hey...why not...i do have about 250 other things that I SHOULD be doing...but this sounded like a fun idea! Okay here it goes:

Caillou- Okay...now I have NO CLUE why I even like watching this show because seriously that darn kid whines so much it drives me crazy! But for what ever deranged reason, I don't mind watching it. On a side note...who has ever seen a 4 yr old boy with ONE hair on his head??

Angelina Ballerina- This show is cute...I just cannot stand the little mouse's accents!! Annoying!

Berenstain bears- I have nothing bad to say here...I love this show! I only wish my family could just live in a tree be that perfect! You should see me and the kids sing to the opening song...ya...i know...i have issues!

Sponge Bob- Okay confession time! I love Sponge Bob...seriously I watch it alone!

Little Bear- Umm...ya...I love this show too. Don't you wish life could really be that simple

Oswald- OMG...i so love that little hot dog Dog. This cartoon is so sweet teaching children to put others first. Sometimes I just get so mad that Oswald is too nice and he is always getting screwed. Well...i guess in the end he never really gets screwed...but you know what I'm saying. Or Not...because I am probably the only mom who actually watches and analyzes it...LOL

Kipper- It cracks me up that the pig's name is just "Pig"

Max and Ruby- I seriously think this show is so cute! I just have one question. Where are there parents? They have a grandma down the street...but no mom and dad?

Noddy- This kid is such an air head...I don't understand how he lives alone and gets through the day??

Dora- How can you not love Dora? It is like a free 30 min of Spanish class. My daughter actually learned to count in Spanish because of Dora! I just don't get those little animals that pop out when ever Dora and Boots complete a task. Who are they??

Dragon Tales- this show just creeps me out.

Okay...I think I'm done. It just dawned on me...I so love my life...but Oh my goodness....I so need an adult life!! This is clearly a cry for help people!! hehe

My new painting..and me..almost 10 weeks!

2009-01-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

So I went to this awesome art show this morning and I found this beautiful oil painting! I had it framed at the show..and it looks Parfait in my living room. Of course this silly photo does the painting no justice...the colors in person are just exquisite!

My dad is coming over tomorrow to help me hang it straight and center!

Here is me at about 10 weeks!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, Ciao!!

Friday Confessions.....

2009-01-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

I am feeling great this morning...so I thought I would do some Friday confessing!

1. Okay this is bad. As you all know...I am a horrible procrastinator! The tags on my car were expired in December...and I have yet to go get the new ones! I have had the little card in my bag...not to mention the 150.00 to do it for weeks and weeks. Well....on the way home from picking up Michael on Wednesday, i noticed a cop behind me on the right side of me. I literally was chanting out loud, "Please don't see my tags, please don't see my tags!" ummmm...ya....the lights went on and he pulled me over! Lucky me...he gave me a warning and I promised to get them on Friday...TODAY...so I am totally driving down there and getting it done today! I hate being a procrastinator...sheesh!!

2. Okay if you walked into my laundry room right now, you would see this: Clothes on the floor, clothes in baskets, clothes in the dryer, clothes on top of the dryer and I wont forget the clothes IN the washer!! Ya....that's all i have to say about that!

3. Okay...now this is a confession in the making. I just got done pricing tickets to las vegas for this Spring for me and my sister to fly out and see the next Britany Spears concert. We have not missed one...and for some insane reason she is NOT coming to Denver on this next tour!! So i guess we will have to go to her!

4. Okay now this next confession is serious! I actually enjoy watching iCarley!!!! I said it out loud!!! I watch it even when the kids have fallen asleep...AND get this....last night I was totally singing (and partially jamming out) to the song they play at the beginning of the show!!

Dang it.....i had more to confess...but I guess this is all the typing that my stomach can handle...it's starting to get icky. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

from me....to YOU...

2009-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you the following lines from the inspiring book "The Dash"

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard;
are there things that you'd like to change?
for you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.
If we could slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and the love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to hop on and wish you all a Happy New Year! I so miss blogging and reading blogs! I am still so sick, and it makes me sick to my stomach to read anything. I thought everything was on the right track, but my blood work last week showed that my progesterone levels went down! Even after the wretched progesterone supplement! So....now I am on it in the morning and in the night! I feel the best for a few hours in the morning, so I try and clean, do email, play extra with the kids then. The rest of the day....is hmmm.....just not very good!

I have another ultra sound tomorrow and more blood work. So I will keep you updated.

I hope everyone all the best in 2009! Talk to you all soon!

Anna's 5th Birthday and Christmas!

2008-12-27T08:22:00.001-08:00

Wowwie...I have not been here in sooo long! This morning sickness is horrible...it seems like everything I do makes it worse. I know this sounds so absurd, but seriously if I sit down to the laptop...I feel even more sick! It's crazy. I can't smell or drink coffee...or make or burn candles...or drive in the car....BLOG!!!!! OMG....I really really hope this subsides soon...what will I do with myself?? I so miss all my friends here, and I really miss reading all of your blogs. I feel pretty good this morning so I thought I would do a quick entry about Anna's 5th bday on December 16th and Christmas. I hope you all had the most wonderful Holidays. Santa brought us a Wii...and ya....can you say, "Wii addicts"? Oh my goodness...we all need a support group over here!! I will talk to you all soon!!

Anna on her 5th Birthday

I love her!!!

We went Ice skating...Anna wanted to show everyone what she has been learning in her lessons! It was Uncle Gabe's 1st time...i must say he was impressive!!

Daddy and Anna

Allie

Christmas morning. Randy and Denali (he was allowed on the couch...it was Christmas after all)...the dog that is...lol

Anna Christmas Morning

Michael being...well Michael...lol

Allie opening her stocking

Happy New year to you all!!

Crazy Daisy Open house...and Christmas Cookies!

2008-12-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a pretty great weekend! Friday afternoon I found out that my pregnancy is on the right track..which was such a relief! I was going out of my mind from Wed afternoon until Friday! On Friday night I had a "Crazy daisy open house". I sent out evites to my friends and family. I had lots of candles for sale of course. I also had jewelry, and other fun gifts. It went wonderful...I had a great turn out and I made about $300.00! So between this open house and both my craft fairs that I was in...I think i managed to make about $700.00. I 'm proud of myself for putting in all the hard work, it was so worth it!

I made these white elephant gift bags filled with goodies for anyone who needed a gift for a white elephant gift exchange! They were a hit...I sold all of them but One!

Whats a open house without lots and lots of yummy food!

Cream puffs...yummo!!

This was my candle display on the kitchen table

Saturday my sister and my brother in law came over for lunch and to make Christmas cookies!

she is so cute...and today...December 16th is her Bday! Happy birthday Anna Banana!

Yep...even uncle Gabe could not resist the fun!!

They turned out yummy...oh ya...thanks lis for the frosting recipe...they were perfect!!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

I'm back....

2008-12-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry I never posted about my first Doctors Appointment last Wednesday. Let's just say that day did not go as I had planned. When my doctor was looking for a fetus...she could only see the sac and the yolk sac (which is good) but for as far along as we thought i was...the fetus should definitely have been visible. So...she wanted me to get blood test asap. I had that done and the number in my blood to indicate pregnancy was at 8,000, I had to go back to do another blood test on Friday to see if the number was going up. I was so happy because on Friday late afternoon, i found out that that number was at 16,000! My doctor does not want me to be 100% happy until my next ultra sound this Thursday morning. The blood tests on Wednesday also showed that my progesterone level was dangerously low. So on Wed night I started taking a progesterone supplement. So....so far everything is looking good, but I will know more on Thursday. I will say...with the progesterone level rising...the morning sickness (or all day sickness) is definitely kicking in!!!

I hope everyone is doing great!! I need to go check out every one's blogs...i have not been here in days...and i so miss everyone!!

some pics from our Thanksgiving trip...

2008-12-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

I totally forgot to post a couple pictures from our Thanksgiving trip!

Here are the kids with my sister in law

Me and Randy at his grandparents house

what I'm up to this week....

2008-12-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

1. I am having a "Crazy Daisy open house" This Friday at my house. I invited several friends and family. I am going to sell my candles, jewelry and other fun gifts. I have had several rsvp's and it's going to be a better turn out than I ever imagined! I am super duper excited about it!

2. Tomorrow is my very first doctors appointment for the baby. I am letting Michael "ditch" school...so that he can come. There is a Chuck E. Cheese right by the Doc's...so we are going to head over there for lunch and fun. I will post about the doctors tomorrow.

3. Anna has her testing at her ice skating lessons on Thursday...so she is excited and nervous about that.

Okay....I am off to clean...and craft for my open house on Friday!! I will take lots of pictures!

I so love blogging and I love all my blogging friends! Have a beautiful day everyone.

I am most certainly NOT Ditzy...lol

2008-12-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Your Elf Name Is: Ditzy Mc Mini

Son of a nutcracker!

What's Your Elf Name?

An award on Monday morning....sweeeet!

2008-12-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to receive this award! I am completely thrilled because I just adore this incredible bloogger friend of mine! Click here to check out her blOg!

Friday Confessions.....

2008-12-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

1. On Monday I found out that I was pregnant. This is by no means a confession...but the part I regret is that I have purchased 6...yes 6 pregnancy tests! I just could not believe it, so pretty much everyday this week I would buy a couple more!! Those things are not cheap...I'm just nuts!

2. Yesterday I played with the kids on the floor while watching Lifetime Christmas movies! I never ever watch TV during the day with the girls...but I could not help myself. I LOVE those movies...they are so touching..I can't get enough of "Fa la la la Lifetime" lol

3. okay...my son says that this one needs to be in the confession. I don't...personally..but here it is. So I found a lady bug crawling in the kitchen. There is tons of snow outside, so of course i did not put her out there. I put her in a cup with some leaves. She crawls around and seems to be happy. But what in the heck do I do with her?? My son says that I'm so weird for even caring...and that it's "just a bug" and its insane that I am taking care of her like a pet. But it's a lady bug...i dunno...I'm weird i suppose. He says that this most defiantly deserves to be listed as a confession!

4. I actually said out loud, "are you cereal?" oppose to, "are you serious?" seriously...it's so embarrassing when my son's lingo rubs off on me.

5. Okay this is a confession because it was so embarrassing! Me and my kids were being so silly and we were totally dancing and singing to that song "I'm not gonna write you a love song" (in the car). I was at a red light...and I was totally looking like an idiot singing and dancing (wayy overboard)...I look over and this guy was literally laughing out loud at me!! OMG....It was hilarious!

6. I actually like watching sponge Bob...I was watching it with no kids around...serioulsy...that's just sad.

7. No matter how hard I try...i cannot stop saying "Dude". Seriously....it's bad. I mean with my sister or my husband it's no biggie...but when I'm talking to a complete stranger and I start my sentence with, "Dude...are you kidding me?" it does not sound so good!! I am convinced that I will be 90 yrs old and I will be telling my grand kids, "Dude....be a dear and get your grandma a starbucks latte".

I hope everyone has a brilliant weekend! I am in a craft fair today and tomorrow! So I have lots to do! Love you all!!

4th baby on the way!!!

2008-12-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

OMG...as my son says!! We are expecting baby number four next July! I am so excited...and nervous at the same time. I feel like I will cheat each child with not enough time. I just have to trust God...after all...this is his plan for me!! I am honored and blessed to be given another little miracle! My first doctors appt. is next Wendesday, I cant wait to see the baby on the screen! I have taken 6 pregnancy tests..because it seems so not real!

I just wanted to share my news with all my blogging friends!!! Have a wonderful day everyone...and remember to SMILE!!!

just an FYI.....Classiness does not = rudeness

2008-12-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Okay...I need to vent about a huge pet peeve that I have!! I just cannot stand when I have to be present of people who in their minds think that "being classy=being rude". I took the girls to the Children's Museum today and I swear...I encountered so many rude and snobby mom's. I was standing and watching my girls play, and to the left of me there was this mom in her Bebe sweat pants and her Ugg boots packing up all her stuff into her stroller. She needed to grab something on a chair to my right...she walks right in front of me, so close that I stumbled back a step...and she does not even say excuse me! Then she proceeds to look at me on her way out with this snobby rude look! I could not believe it! I mean you know what....that's great that you obviously have lots of money...and wow for you that you wear 80.00 sweat pants, but really...does that give you the right to treat people like crap? I don't think so!!! Now please don't get me wrong, I am not saying that everyone who wears expensive clothes are "snobby"...this particular woman was though. My good friend is obsessed with Coach purses...and she is the SWEETEST girl on the planet!

A few weeks ago, I was at Anna's ice skating lessons. I was sitting with my son Michael and my daughter Allie watching from the bleachers. There were like 7 mom's gathered next to me talking about Juicy Couture bags for like 30 min! They were all comparing there diaper bags and bragging about how much they paid for them. Allie had wandered over to them...so I went to get her....two of the women actually gave me a rude look! I suppose it was because I was in my cute khaki cargo pants with my Doc Marten shoes and black hoodie!! I defiantly did not have a $500.00 diaper bag either!!

Anyway....My point is this. It's fine to have lots of money and it's even totally fine to wear 80.00 Bebe sweat pants. It's not okay to treat other people like crap, and to act as if you are above anyone else on this planet. I just hope that the people who value all there "things" more than anything else...really do get a clue someday. It's sad really....to go through life like that, being mean to other people.

So SMILE.......It will brighten someone's day, I promise!! Be kind.....be an example to your children to respect EVERYBODY.

I so love awards!

2008-12-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

I am so honored to receive this "Honest Weblog" award from my friend Heather. I love reading her blog. Thanks so much Heather!

Here are the rules that you agree to when you accept this award:"When you receive the prize, you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in their content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing that they were prized with 'Honest Weblog'. You then have to name 10 Honest random things about yourself. So here it goes...my ten:

1. I have para sailed in Hawaii

2. I have zip lined in Winter park Colorado

3. I almost fell out of a boat while white water rafting in Alaska

4. I caught a 70 lb Halibut in the gulf of Alaska

5. I worked as a shot girl in a club called Poly Esther's

6. I am a neat freak...and I think I have OCD

7. I worked as a Barista and a manager at Starbucks

8. I have touched a sting Ray

9. I have been to the top of a 14,000 ft mountain

10.I am accident prone!!

okay here are my people that I am passing the award on to:

Thursday Thankfulls...better late than never!

2008-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so....I know it's Monday, but I was out of town last Thursday...and there is just know way that I cannot do a final Thursday thankful for the last Thursday of November Thankfulls! Especially since last Thursday was THE day of all Thankfullness!!

1. God...my faith in God is always number one

2. My husband. He is such a hard worker, and he sacrifices so much for me and the kids. He loves me more than anything, and he is a wonderful dad. I thank god for him each and every day.

3. My kids...but on this special edition of Thursday Thankfulls...I am going to do my kids all separate.

Michael: I am so thankful for my son Michael. He has always been so affectionate (even now in the midst of his "challenging" 13 yr old "pre teen" attitude). He is super talented, he has been in over 15 professional plays. He is a straight A student, and he is in Honors math. He spent ALL his money on his sister Anna last year on a new bike for Christmas. He is so caring, I love him so much and I thank God for him every day.

Anna: I am so very Thank full for my Anna Banana. She is so loving, caring and so dang Funny. She loves to cuddle with me, and I just adore her sensitive heart. I love her girly girl thing that she has going on...when I was a kid, I was so not like that. She makes me smile everyday. I thank God for her everyday.

Allie: I am so very thankful for my Allie Bug. I will admit she is a handful.....but I really would not have it any other way. She is stubborn, and she goes after what she wants! She is hilarious, she already loves to make people laugh. I cannot wait to watch her grow in the next year. For Allie I thank God everyday!

4. My sister. She is the most caring, loving person I know. She is always there for me and I love that I can act like a complete idiot with her and she still loves me just as much!! She is my best friend, I am so thank full to be able to ALWAYS have her in my life. She just got married last August and I am also very thankful for my new fun loving brother in law. He treats my sister like a princess, and I am very thank full for him

5. My madre and my padre. They are incredibly supportive. I love them both so much...and I am so thankful for them everyday.

6. My dog Denali. He is so lovable to me and the kids. He will also bite the head off of a stranger if they broke in...for that I am very Thank full.

7. I am Thankful that we were able to fly to Iowa and spend Thanksgiving with my in laws. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at a casino buffet that was awesome!! lol. We did have the "real dinner" on Saturday.

8. I am thank full for my house! I bought this house from my parents. It was the house that i lived in as a kid. It may be an 1980's house with popcorn ceilings...and it defiantly is not big enough. BUT....I love this house, and me and my husband have been making in our own for the past 6 yrs.

9. On a lighter note....I am thank full for coffee, candles, flannel pants, clean surfaces, clean sheets, Twilight series books, holidays, the mountains, traveling, shopping, Christmas decorations, Christmas music and movies, Twilight (oh..i already said that...well I am VERY thank full for those books!) Low gas prices, the craft show this weekend that I am in!!!

10. Kind and giving people. I strive to be more kind and giving EVERYDAY.

11. I am so thankfull for my blogging. It is such a wonderful outlet, and I love all the friends that I make. I am so thankful for my JennyKate and Lisa. I cannot imagine my life without them!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to be Thank full year round everyday. It is extremely to focus on what you DO HAVE oppose to what you DO NOT have!!

How do we Look together??

2008-11-25T18:03:00.001-08:00

I think me and Edward make a pretty good couple!! I hung this on my pantry door....my husband is so gonna kill me!!! I'll just blame it on my sister...after all...she's the one who bought it for me!!

(I totally know...I do need help)

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2008-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

It's already Christmas at our Home! I talked my husband into putting up the Christmas decorations inside and outside last weekend. We are flying to Iowa to spend Thanksgiving with my In-laws, so I knew that when we got home next Sunday...we would we way to tired. This way when I get home...I will walk into a nice clean Christmassy home!! So anyway...here are some pictures, I wish I was better decorator...I'm to simple and plain in my opinion.

Here is the upstairs living room. This tree has only snowmen on it...I LOVE snowmen!

This is the downstairs family room/play room.

Don't you just loVe Anna's wizard of Oz stalking?

Up close look at the fireplace Mantle

I am loving the berries on the dining room light!

I hate that my cupboards look like this in pictures..they don't have that weird discoloration in person. I put garland and snowmen on top of the cupboards

I just recently picked up this cafe sign for 4.99 at a thrift shop. I painted in Chocolate brown to match my kitchen. It looks great with my "coffee themed" Kitchen!

This is My "Starbucks" tree in the corner of the dining room. Are you loving this JennyKate??

This is the Girls tree in there room. They also have snowflake lights on there window, and shiny silver cardboard snowflakes hanging all over the ceiling. It looks like a winter wonderland in there!

The outside looks even better. My husband did a great job. We have all red and white lights on the house with huge light up candy canes in the tree. We have one of those huge snow globes and snow men in the yard. It's so cute...my husband is really getting into it..he took off on Sunday and bought some reindeer for the yard too! I will try and take a picture tonight and post it. I cant wait to see everyone Else's houses!! Have a wonderful day!!

I have been tagged....

2008-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

My bloggy friend, Mistee tagged me and since I have never actually followed through with one of these, I thought I would give it a shot!

8 TV shows That I like to watch:

1. The Biggest loser
2. Ugly Betty
3. Little people BIG World
4. Deadliest catch
5. Ellen
6. Super Nanny
7. Andrew Zimern
8. Neat

8 Places I like to eat:

1. Famous Daves
2.Outback
3. Red Lobster
4. Olive Garden
5. Taco Bell
6. Casey's
7. Chipolte
8. Panda Express

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:

1. I put up Christmas decorations
2. Held the ladder for my husband
3. cleaned
4. Ate A LOT with my family
5. Sucked at the drums on guitar hero
6. Read
7. Had cheesecake for my brother in law's bday (he had pink candles)
8. went to the store

8 Things that I look forward to:

1. Flying to Iowa for Thanksgiving (not the plane ride so much...)
2. Seeing Twilight AGAIN on Wednesday night
3. Christmas
4. Anna's bday
5. My next craft fair
6. School being out for winter break
7. Taking the girls to see Santa and look at lights
8. I cannot wait till Jan 15...that's when my dad has his next scan..and I KNOW that his cancer will be gone!!

8 Things I love about Fall:

1. The cooler weather
2. Leaves changing
3. Pumpkin Patch trip
4. Halloween
5. Fall decorations
6. extra Starbucks trips
7. Thanksgiving
8. forcing my kids to watch the movie "The great pumpkin Charlie Brown"

8 Things on my wish list:

1. My husband being home more
2. My dad's cancer being GONE
3. My family staying healthy and safe
4. Traveling......a lot
5. My crazydaisy candle business to grow
6. Help single mom's
7. Buy a house in the mountains
8. My kids to be happy in life

8 People to tag:

1. Michelle
2. Lisa
3. French
4. Cherry
5. Heather
6. Jenny
7. Rue
8. Jessica

Twilight

2008-11-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

All I have to say is that the movie Twilight was AMAZING!!! It was everything and MORE than I was hoping for! I don't want to give anything away...I'm just saying that it was AMAZING...oh...I already said that! I cannot wait to go see it again!

Edward on the big screen....**sigh**

Friday Confessions.....

2008-11-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

1. Taco Bell not once but TWICE

2. i was having a bit of road rage...i threw my arms up to a car. When i took a closer look...it was my old choir teacher who I adored! I felt like an idiot.

3.I feel like I spent wayyyyy to much time on the computer. I think I am going to start making a schedule. This way the house wont be a disaster up until Friday. It's pretty bad when your 4 yr old says to me last night, "Mommy...are you just cleaning because daddy's coming home?"

4. I have learned that stupid financial decisions made in my early 20's DO catch up to you! One big mistake crept up on me on Wednesday. I am over it though....Yes I am over it.

***there was a big pause here....because I just spilled my entire cup of coffee on my self..nice..ugh***

5. Okay...back to my list. I bought a big bag of peanut butter cups and a big bag of kit kat to fill the jar in the kitchen. So much for Dr. Phil's "No fail environment"

6. I am taking the girls to get professional pictures tonight with my sister. Here is the confession portion...Allie is 18mon and this is her FIRST professional picture...i know it...I am ashamed!

7. Okay people...this confession is HUGE...like monumentally huge! I am taking my son (7th grader) out of school EARLY....so that I can go with my sister to see Twilight! Yes...I even called my mom and asked her if I could...I just felt like i needed her permission! But she said and I quote, "Melissa, honey...you never do things like that...and he is practically a straight A student, I think it will be fine" So there you go...mom gives me a thumbs up...so I am so there! I do feel a little of lingering guilt...BUT considering I very rarely do anything for myself...I'm gonna splurge today! I will be there at 1:00pm with my sister...and huge tub of popcorn with huge Coke...and some sort of chocolate candy on the side!!! I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!! Edward here I come ***sigh***

...oh ya speaking of Edward. Last night in the car my son says, "Shhhhh...mom listen it's Edward..he is on the radio doing an interview!" Then he asks, "you don't really LoVe him do you mom?" Oh lord...I think I may have taken my obsession too far!! lol

Okay everyone....I'm out. I have to get a million things done before I go pick up Michael EARLY! By the way he does not see this as a confession...he sees it as a TRUE blessing!!!

Thursday Thankfulls....

2008-11-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

1. God

2. My husband Randy

3. My three brilliant kids

4. My sister, brother in law, mom and dad

5. I am so thankful that my husband will be home from work tonight until Sunday!! woo hoo

6. For the day with my sister tomorrow...watching Twilight...i seriously just started wiggling in my chair with excitement!!

7. My ability to stay focused and positive. I had a really bad day yesterday...and today...i am only looking forward and I am happy.

8. For my candle store. Making candles (quality awesome) candles is a new found passion of mine.

9. for coffee...always thankful for my coffee. Speaking of coffee...has anyone tried the new Hazelnut Biscotti coffee mate creamer?? Oh my goodness...it so yummy!

10. For salted caramel hot chocolates with a shot of espresso from Starbucks....i will be getting one today! This will also be on my confessions again tomorrow!!

11. For blogging...it is so awesome to interact with all of you, I am so very thankful for it!!

12. I am so thankful that I talked my husband into putting ALL of our Christmas decorations out this weekend!!! I cannot wait!!!

13. For this coming Sunday. My family is all coming over and we are going to EAT and play Wii ! That's what we do people...we EAT ...and we burn it off with the Wii !!! I love it

14. really good kisses

15. For KIND people

I hope that all of you have the most wonderful Thursday!!! SMILE

Sweetest Moment..

2008-11-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago All of my family went to visit my Gram and Grandpa at there graves. Allie, my 1 yr old daughter stood in front of the grave stone and put her hands up by her Little face like she was praying. This was about the sweetest moment I have ever seen. I thank my sister for capturing the moment with a photo! Oh how I will always cherish it!!

Me and My girls!

My first craft show and my 50th post Give away.....

2008-11-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

My 50th post...woo hoo! I am going to giveaway a 16oz candle and YOU get to choose the scent! All you have to do is leave me a comment in this post telling me your most favorite Spring and Summer scents. If you mention this post on your own Blog....you will get five entries into the drawing! I will draw the lucky winner next Saturday Morning. Thank you in advance for your participation! I have several new Holiday scents listed in my Crazy Daisy Candle store...click right HERE to check them out!

On Saturday I took part in my very first Craft fair. I was so excited to be there with my Crazy Daisy Candles! There was not near as much traffic as I had hoped for, but in the end it turned out okay. I managed to sell about $200.00 worth of candles, which I was happy with. Especially since I think quiet a few of the vendors sold not a darn thing. I met some very talented artist throughout the day, and My sister bought me a fabulous scarf! So all in all....It was a day to smile about. I am in another craft show on December 5th and 6th. This next craft show is a city event and it is advertised very well, so I am very excited about that!

I hope you are all having a brilliant weekend! I am off to take the girls to the park, it is a BEAUTIFUL day!!

Friday Confessions.....

2008-11-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

My Friday confessions are short and defiantly SWEET:

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with a shot of Espresso!! I will also add...that this problem I am having is all because of My friend JennyKate. But i suppose we are even now. I got her HOOKED (and i mean HOOKED) to the Twilight books, and she got me HOOKED to this Starbucks delight! But JennyKate it's not fair! The books wont make you gain weigh and loose money like this darn drink!!! Ugh.....LOL

Just kidding Jenny...you know I love you sooooo much!!!

Thursday Thank fulls

2008-11-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

What I am Thankful for on this beautiful Thursday:

My faith in God

Soul Mates and unconditional LoVe

Husband

My kids

My family

My dog Denali

for completely perfect beautiful Fall days like today

Lisa and JennyKate

This BlOg....and all of you that visit me

For coffee

For my candle business

clean sheets...is it normal that I wash them EVERY SINGLE DAY? Or is that my OCD?

Kindness....because JennyKate is so right in her Thursday Thankfulls....Kindness is HUGE

For the Twilight books.....oh man...I will be forever thankful for them. Oh get this you guys....Last night there was this perfect breeze coming in through my window....it wasn't even cold...so i opened it further and laid in bed and watched my curtain blow and i was imagining Edward coming through it!!! Seriously....I need some therapy right???? Oh ya....and it's only SEVEN days until the movie......I cannot wait!!!!!

Have a brilliant Thursday everyone! I will be back tomorrow for Friday confessions!!! I am off to do what I do.....play with my girls....clean....make candles.....play....clean!!!!!

xoxo

Totally Random Thoughts...with a few random Vents thrown in!

2008-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Okay....So today I have all these completely random thoughts in my brain...and if it's okay, I am going to throw in some random little vents as well! I figured that I would mix up the thoughts with the venting so that my post was not a huge monstrosity of negativity!

* Okay I really need to start with a vent! Anyone who spends there Tuesday evenings watching the Biggest Loser will surly understand this frustration! "VICKI".....NEED I SAY MORE?? I have seriously not felt the need to punch someone in the face in a loooong time...until SHE came into TV land!!! Okay, that's all I have to say about that.

* This next thought is very disturbing to me. I THINK I AM LOSING MY MIND!!! Seriously...do any of you mom's feel like you have so much going on that you really feel as if a fraction of your brain is melting away? I DO!!! Please tell me I am not alone?? I was at the doctors and I was scheduling an appointment for my 1 yr old. The lady asked for Allie's bday and first I gave her the wrong day TWICE....then when I finally managed to get the day right ...I gave her the wrong year...like 3 times!!! Of course my 13 yr old had to be there with me...so he made me feel even more like an idiot!!! Seriously....it seems like the years that are in the 2000 are so confusing?? The 1990's are easy....is it just me...or does the 2000's seem to jumble up?? That prob makes no sense most of you!!

* Okay...here is another reason that I am losing my mind! Last night me and the kids went to my parents house for dinner. I parked the car in front of the house..then I suddenly felt very confused. I said to my 13 yr old son, "Michael, where is the fire hydrant that is in front of grandma's house? Do they actually relocate those things?? What in the heck is going on?" My son is looking around too...and I really was very confused! Then I take a better look around...and guess what??? I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE WRONG HOUSE!!!! Now come on....that is something that someone in there LATE eighties does!!

* Why is it that in the mornings they only have talking on the radio? I like hearing the d'j s sometimes...but geese....people do need music in the morning too! Thanks to this....my one year old daughter know the chores to "Free Falling" by heart. Tom Petty is permanently in my cd player in their car because I am always to lazy to change it...and...well...I love tom petty. So he is the back up when there is nothing good on.

* 13 yr. old boys...well my 13 yr old boy is the next topic of conversation! What is with the 13yr old PRE teen attitude?? Seriously...he is a great kid...but this new attitude that he is adjusting to is just annoying! This morning on the way to school we were arguing about him cramming for his PE test this morning on the way to school!! When I pulled up in front of his school, we were still arguing, but he decides to get out of the car and SLAM the door in my face!!! I was so on the verge of getting out of the car in my pajama pants and messy pony tail and chase him down...I think the sheer embarrassment of the way i looked would be enough punishment for the boy! I am also so over all of the abbreviations being thrown around here! The OMG...TTYL...BFF... HWYD...and the list goes on! This morning I was about to jump out of my car in my pajamas and yell, "OMG..Im gonna KYB" that translates into, "Oh my gosh...I'm gonna kick your butt!" LOL

Wow....I guess this turned out to be ONLY random vents..the random thoughts got lost in my mind (Not a shocker...remember the part about parts of my disintegrating brain?)

I wrote this post in hopes that It would make you laugh with me...or at me...or at least Make you smile!! With being a single mom 5 days a week, with three kids, a business to run, kids with crazy schedules.... My OCD....i have to try and use my humor to get me through sometimes!!!

Okay...I am off to make "Hand turkey's" with the girls...then clean...and make more candles!!! Have a brilliant Wednesday everyone!!! Don't forget to SMILE...

Friday Confessions.....

2008-11-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone....It's time for Confessions

* Okay today I am going downtown to change my social security card into my MARRIED name.. ...here is the confession part....I have been married for seven and a half years!!! See JennyKate...as far as being a procrastinator....you have nothing on me!!

* Yesterday while Anna was at preschool, I came home and gave Allie a much needed nap. I was packing up candle orders and cleaning...when I look up at the clock and notice that Anna gets done with school in TWO min!!! OMG.....I could not believe that I neglected the time like that! I called her school in tears telling them that I would be there in 10 min. That was the worst feeling EVER! Although Anna was totally fine....I was a mess!!

* I had 2 dreams about Edward this week (you know my vampire lover from the books that I am madly obsessed with) I am just praying that I don't say his name in my sleep...Randy will be livid!!

* Okay this is a confession and a warning at the same time! Don't ever NOT NOTICE that you are riding the butt of a police car while on your cell phone...NOT GOOD!

*Allie had slim fast for breakfast this morning....I'm not sure if that belongs in my confessions...but it just does not seem right??

hmmmm...wow....I guess that's not to bad of a confession week (I think I was to busy making candles to get in much trouble) I did good as far as food this week too, I did have taco bell twice (but that really does not count...because i have somehow convinced myself that taco bell is actually quiet healthy)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Thursday Thank fulls

2008-11-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Wow...Is it already Time for Thursday thank fulls?? Sweeeet... Okay...here are my blessings for the day:

*God...again...he is ALWAYS #1

* My husband, he will always be #2

* My kids and my family....I am so totally blessed to have my kids and my wonderful supportive family.

* I forgot this one last week...I am so SUPER THANKFUL that my dad is done with his radiation treatments. Now we just pray that when he goes for his scan on Jan 15 (day before my bday) that his cancer is ALL GONE! That would be the best bday present EVER!!

* For the epiphany that I had in the bath tub last night. As I was saying my blessings in the bath..as i always do....It hit me that I can be doing MORE for Jesus daily. I thank him every night...but I really need to start thinking about him all through the day. I know that I can be a better Cristian...I just needed to realize it.

*For coffee I am thankful...i really love my coffee

*For the 4 candle sales this morning! I was so excited!! It makes me so proud of myself to be helping out financially. Every time I make a sale...I just cannot wait until the customer burns my candles...as I know they will LOVE them (I don't mean to brag...but I am 110% mega proud of my candles)

* For DVR...I know this is lame...but I really am grateful for it!

* For the utterly creative mind and sheer brilliance of the author Stephanie Meyer! Seriously....I am sure you are all so over me bragging about these books of hers....but Really, reading this amazing series has given me a wonderful escape from reality each night!!

* I am thankful for this beautiful Fall day....I plan to make the very most of it!!!

Have a brilliant day everyone!! Don't forget to SMILE......It can change the entire day for someone...I'm so serious....the power of a simple SMILE is amazing!!

NEW candles in my shop..."woot woot"

2008-11-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yay...I finally have some winter scents available in my store! I am also excited about the new look. I have new labels and really cute antique brown lids. Yes...I'm a nerd...I get excited over lids! Here are a couple of facts about Crazy Daisy Candles:

* All my candles are handmade and hand poured by yours truly!

* I use a top quality soy wax blend, this gives you a nice clean burn

* I use top of the line scents....AND I use way more than the recommended amount to guarantee a very strong scent throw. I promise!!!

* You will get hooked to crazy daisy candles!!!

* They are made in AMERICA....I promise :)

Click here to check out my shoppe

Have the most wonderful day everyone....I am off to the Crazy Daisy candle shoppe!!!

cleaning.....organizing..two of my favorite things!

2008-11-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

So last weekend I made my husband help me freshen up the downstairs. We PURGED a ton of stuff and dropped off several loads to the Salvation Army. I reorganized...rearranged...and this is what I came up with:

Here is one side of the room, there is a big screen tv on the right hand wall...but I think Tv's are ugly...so i did not put it in the picture! Can you see my dog's head under the coffee table?? lol

This is the other side of the room...it has always been a play area, but I cleaned out so many old toys, and reorganized everything. I moved this huge armoire in here to house all of Anna's crafting supplies. We put her little picnic table beside it, she loves to have her own "Craft studio"

I made these banners for there play area...they look wayyy cuter in person.

This banner is by her table

Turned out really cute..I think. I love getting rid of things that are not being used...it's so super refreshing!!

I thought I would share my little "nook" of the downstairs. My crafting area is on one side of the laundry room downstairs.

Have a wonderful day everyone....I am off to make candles!!

Trick or Treat fun.....

2008-11-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all my wonderful, beautiful, blogging friends! Here are some pictures of our Halloween day!

The girls before we went to Anna's preschool party

My little spooky witch!

Anna with her cute little treat bags in hand ready for her friends!

Heading out to Trick or Treat!!

"Giddy Up"
Wow...I cannot believe that Halloween is behind us! Now I need to focus on my candle store for the Holidays! I am going to be in two different craft fairs this year, and the first one is in two short weeks! I cannot wait to show you all my new candle scents with there new labels and new look! I should have several listed in my store by Wednesday (did you hear that JennyKate...Wednesday...lol)

Have a wonderful day everyone...make each moment count! Please...please don't forget to

S-M-I-L-E!!!

Friday Confessions.....

2008-10-31T06:36:00.001-07:00

Okay....so as I was rehashing all the bad things I did this week, and I had a revelation! I defiantly have food issues! As you will soon see....half of my confessions have something to do with food!

First of all...we went to shrimp fest at Red Lobster on Sunday after the pumpkin patch...need I say more??? (food confession #1)

On Tuesday I had to do a post office run to mail a candle order to Australia. I was parking my car and I noticed out of the corner of my eye a lady with like 4 boxes getting out of her car. I totally should have walked over to help this lady with her boxes....BUT instead I scrambled out of my car as fast as I could (I even attempted to jump out of the car with my seat belt STiLL fastened). I practically ran to the post office door and jumped in line....I did not want to be stuck behind her in line! My goodness...that was so mean! Okay then on Tuesday night, I ate a box of milk duds for dinner (while watching the biggest loser no less). I do not know when I will learn that just because Walgreen's sells movie box candy 3 for $4.00...that I always need to take advantage of that deal!!! Okay so that was food confession #2.

Okay this confession is pretty embarrassing...but these are confessions....so I have to be honest here! Okay....I pretty much forced my kids to watch "The great pumpkin Charlie Brown" this week like 3 times. There was one instance where I actually threatened to take away Michael's cell phone if he did not watch with me! Today is Halloween...and you better believe that THEY WILL watch with me one more time!!!

Thursday....is ALL ABOUT food confessions!! Lets see here....Anna had her Halloween party at pre school, and when we got home I ate like 3 pieces of her candy (this is just the beginning people). We went to ice skating lessons that night, and me and Michael shared Nachos and a pretzel and a coke while watching her! While we were eating, I looked up at Michael and said, "Do you remember what they said about nachos on the Biggest loser this week?" LOL....they are basically toxic (although..we kept eating)! Okay ....so after ice skating we were walking to the car and Anna claimed that she was "dying of thirst". We went into the coffee shop that is right my the ice rink to get a water. I was paying for the water and I could not resist these stupid EVIL peanut butter rice crispy treats that they ALWAYS have sitting by the register. I stuck it in my bag (i did pay)lol ....i was still full from the junk at the ice rink, so i was going to save it for later. So.....moving right along....we stopped and got taco bell on the way home (I know what you are thinking...i know...i am ashamed!) Okay....so I go to bed at around midnight because as you all know I am addicted to the Twilight books (that's a confession in itself). But here is the early morning Friday confession. I wake up at around 2:00am. I go in the kitchen for a drink of water....and what do I remember?? The rice crispy treat!!! I take it out of my bag and eat almost half of it!!!! Seriously, besides pregnant women...who does that??? So I went back to bed with a little tummy ache...because those treats really are down right wretched. (these would be food confessions #3, 4, 5 and 6)

Holy cow.....that was some confession!!! I do feel better though...regardless all my blogger friends probably now think I am even more of a lunatic!!

Okay...I am off for a day of Halloween fun! We are going to play in the leaves, make a Halloween craft, carve another pumpkin....and of course watch the Great pumpkin Charlie Brown one last time!! Then trick or treating tonight of course!!

Have a wonderful and safe Halloween everyone!!

Thursday Thank fulls.....

2008-10-30T07:36:00.001-07:00

I am joining my lovely friend JennyKate in doing Thankful Thursday. I feel that it is so important to count your blessings. Personally, I do this every single night in the bathtub! My life is so rich because I constantly focus on what I DO have oppose to what I DO NOT HAVE. So...here are my Thursday morning thank fulls!

1. First and foremost, I am thankful for God. He ALWAYS kicks off my blessings. I am not only thankful that he sacrificed his life for me, but I always thank him for living a perfect life for me.

2. I am so very thankful for my marriage. I love my husband Randy so much. He is such a hard worker, and he adores me.

3. My three wonderful kids. They are each such a blessing. They are all so loving and caring. I am so lucky and thankful to have them.

4. I am thankful to be so close to my mom, dad, sister and Brother in law. They mean the world to me. My sister is my best friend...and I am truly thankful for that.

5. For my soul mate sister Lisa. Seriously...this friend is connected with my soul. I can't imagine one single day without her from here on out!

6. For JennyKate. She inspires me everyday. I just love having her as a friend. She has HUGE heart and she makes me LOL....I mean really...she puts the meaning in "laugh out loud"....wow...i love her so much. The other day I even said to myself, "WWJD?" That means what would Jenny Do....LOL

7. I am thankful for silly, fun holidays like Halloween. It gives added tradition in our home. In this picture we were eating totinos Pizza by "pumpkin light"

8. I am so thankful for a sense of humor. I Love to be a dork...and make people laugh (at my expense) Clearly, I handed this down to Michael for sure!

9. For LOVE...I believe that I have had a huge hand in molding my children thus far, by how much love and affection that I show them. I love and praise them from morning to night!

10. For my country and for the freedom to vote. We are blessed to live here. We all need to take advantage of our freedom and VOTE! I am such a nerd...I actually wore this sticker on my hand all day yesterday!!!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone. I will end this with two of my most favorite quotes in the world. Oh my gosh...I cannot forget the Twilight Books!!! Those books know how thankful I am! lol

"If you want to feel rich...just count all the things you have that money CANNOT buy"

"A persons true wealth is the good that he/she does in the world"

My Fun Fall weekend....

2008-10-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Okay...okay..i give up! I have been trying since Monday to upload a slide show from flicker...but I can't seem to figure it out!! So I will have to settle for photos. Here is a glimpse of my fall fun weekend.

Friday I took the girls to the zoo..the zoo is so pretty in the Fall.

I think I spotted the very last flower at the zoo!

Of course...we had to get our ice cream..remember my pre-confession??

Anna playing in the leaves on Saturday

Our annual pumpkin patch trip On Sunday

"You are putting this big orange thing in front of me why???"

My beautiful amazing Family!

Pumpkin Bread....YUM

Allie's first time on rides!

The kiddos on the train ride

Sunday night....carving our pumpkins

Of course...I had to make a spectacle of myself! I wish i had pictures of me pretending to cut off my finger...i had fake blood everywhere...the look on my husband's face was PRICELESS!!!

Did you know that raw pumpkin guts are poison??? LOL

Happy Fall everyone!

Friday Confessions.....Here we go!

2008-10-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

Okay...lets see here. Monday I managed to Make some new candle scents for my Etsy store...BUT i ended up burning 3 of them myself! (I promise Jenny Kate...Holiday scents will come soon...lol) Okay On Tuesday.....after I dropped Anna off at pre school....Allie fell asleep in the car, so I went through a drive through and got chili cheese fries. I ate them in the car (parked of course) and know one will ever knew...not even Allie!!! Shhhh! After the chili cheese fries, I headed to Hobby Lobby and spent $36.00. I went for pink glitter and spray adhesive and came out with...hmmmm...I don't even remember now!! Okay moving onto Wednesday....I ate candy corn and licorice for dinner....and I stayed up and finished the first book of the twilight series until like 2am......AND the same night I dreamt about Edward (vampire in the book) wow.....Wednesday was a naughty day!!! Lastly....the house is a mess right now....and guess what??? Me and the girls are off to the zoo instead of doing chores!! But that means that I will be cleaning until late tonight....there is no way I can sleep knowing the house is in this state (the OCD again). Oh and here is a PRE confession...I plan on eating junk food at the zoo today!!!

P.S. ATTENTION ALL COFFEE DRINKERS.....If you use coffee mate creamer (like i do on a regular basis) this tip is for YOU. Yesterday when I bought my lovely bottle of Hazelnut creamer, I noticed that they changed some things with the packaging. Let me just say that the red lid DOES NOT click shut as easy as it used to!! I was on my second cup of coffee this morning and I took the bottle out and shook it vigorously as always....and ya....the lid was not clicked! Lets just say that I had a monumental mess on my hands!! By the time I finished cleaning it up...I had to reheat my coffee!! So anyhow...learn from that one my fellow coffee drinkers...lol

Have the most brilliant weekend everyone! I will have lots of fun pictures next week. The weekend before Halloween we have a blast! Sat night we are taking the kids to trick or trunk and Sunday we are off to the pumpkin patch with my family...then to Red lobster's shrimp fest!! That meal will DEFINITELY be at the top of the list on my Friday confessions next week!!

Get your Twilight Bookmarks!!!

2008-10-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Okay....Yes I admit...I am completely obsessed with the Twilight series books by Stephanie Meyer. I created some Twilight bookmarks...and you can get them in my Etsy store by clicking right HERE!!!!!

xoxo

I'm Having an affair......

2008-10-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

With a vampire named Edward!!! Oh my goodness This book...is so amazing and so dangerously addicting! Last night I stayed up and read 1o chapters until 2am!! I cannot wait to finish it tonight, then get the second book tomorrow!! It's not to often that a book gets a hold of me like this....it's pure BLISS!!

I just had to share this book with you guys...It is an AMAZING love story...I promise you will LOVE it!!! Oh ya...and the movie Twilight is coming to theatres on November 21st...I cannot wait!!!

Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer

p.s. I am making Twilight bookmarks...they will be in my Crazydaisycandle etsy store by tomorrow night! Yes....It's true....I am a bit obsessed!!!

Time for tea.....

2008-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Last night me and Anna had the most wonderful tea party!

We even baked our own little choc chip cookies for the occasion!

Of course We had to invite some friends....

The tea was so perfect

Look at Mrs. Kitty's pleading eyes...she is really wanting a bite of cookie!

The cookies were so yummy...they were so tiny...which made them feel "Guilt free" for me!!

Mrs. Kitty did get a bite!

"Cheers Big ears" Thats what we like to say!!

What a simply lovely party that was!

Remember...."Simplicity". Create special moments and smile...in the end that's all that will matter!

The BEST Household tip that I have EVER been given....

2008-10-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay...so Yesterday me and my daughters were looking at all my nail polishes in the living room. I made sure all the lids were on very tight...they just love to sort them out and look at them. So anyway...I was sitting there with them, and stupid me did not even realize that my 4 yr old daughter Anna was banging two bottles together! One unlucky whack.....and one of the hot hot hot pink nail polish bottles broke open ALL over the carpet, right smack in the middle of the living room! OMG.....have any of you ever seen the movie mommy dearest? Ya...I had a mommy dearest moment! I was freaking out! My daughter immediately ran to her time out spot during my mommy melt down! After I pulled myself together....I did what any mom in the 21st century does...run to the Internet and research how to get this out!!! After awhile I ran into a post that said to rub shaving gel and Windex on the spot with a warm wash cloth! I was like, "what?? no way!" But as you will all see in the picture below..I had nothing to loose! So I tried it....and I did have to scrub for about 2 hours....and the poor carpet is defiantly "balding" in this spot....but it looks SOOOOOO much better!! Oh ya...and did i mention that it's BRAND SPANKING NEW CARPET???

Before...you should have seen me laying over this spot and crying!!!

After...u can still see a bit of pink in there, but i think i can live with it!

Shaving gel and windex....wow...who knew??

My best friend is having a giveaway!

2008-10-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

My best friend Lisa is having a giveaway! Click here to enter to win! She is giving away a couple things from her pumpkin pink cottage etsy store! Let me tell you...her Etsy store is so dang cute...she is wicked talented!! I just love her to pieces!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!

My first Award....Yay!!

2008-10-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yay...I was given my first award! Renee over at My Glimpse of Life gave me a creative award for my Homemade candle shop! Thank you so much Renee! Here are the rules that I was given:

*Mention the blog that gave you the reward and comment on there blog to let them know that you have posted there award. You also have to list 6 things you VALUE and 6 things you Don't VALUE. Lastly, you have to pass the award onto 6 other friends!

So here it goes...6 things that I Value:

1. God and my faith in him.

2. My husband Randy. He is a blessing. I love him so much, he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with him!

3. My three kids. They are my world!

4. My family. My mom, dad, sister and brother in law mean everything to me. And my in laws...I cannot forget them too...I so love them and I am so blessed to have them!

5. The friendships that I have. I admit that for whatever reason...I don't have to many...but the one's I do have are very, very special and valuable to me!

6. Friendly people. I really value courteous friendly people. It's so nice when you walk by and a stranger just smiles. A smile can change someones day!

Six thing's that I DO NOT value:

1. Abortions

2. People who take there insecurities out on others.

3. Prejudice

4. Cancer

5. Money...I hate how everything seems to come down to money. For me..more time with my husband=More money to do so...i hate that.

6. Materialistic people. There are things that I like to have...but I am talking about the people who base there entire existence on fancy cars and name brand crap. People who value "things" more than anything else....man i cannot stand that! They have no clue...it's sad really.

Okay so now to pass this on to SIX people!! Here is my list:

1. French...because she is such a creative writer. I adore reading her blog. Check it out, you will too!

2. Cherry...just because that girl is wicked creative...oh my gosh, she is just amazing!

3. Rue at the peanutbutterandjellylife. She is an amazing decorator. I love visiting her blog!

4. Lurenda at Averytales. This new friend of mine inspires me EVERY day...Seriously...everyday!

5. Heather at sugar n spice. I just love reading her posts...kinda like my blog..they are random day to day ramblings (i mean that in a good way Heather!). I enjoy them very much!

6. Sandy at Sandy's creations. She is so funny! I love reading her blog! She takes amazing pictures and she is incredibly creative!

Have a wonderful day everyone! Don't forget to smile...it really does have the power to change someone's day!

Then....and Now.....oh lord!!!

2008-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay...So I was brave enough to follow in the footsteps of my friends JennyKate and Lisa (pumpkin pink cottage) and do a then and now post. I loved looking at your guy's pictures...so here it goes...here is mine:

Me..in the baby seat with my cousin and dad. See where I get my nuttiness??

Me and the same cousin from above when i was prob about 3
My great grandparents and my little sister...i was prob almost 4

Me and my sister..i think i may be 6..i was such a tom boy!

Me, my dad and sister in California. I was like 12 or 13. My dad looks so cute..he reminds me of Chevy chase on Lampoons vacation here!! Check out my spandex!!! lol

This cracks me up!! This is me and my cousin/brother when we were in Jr high..cant resist that hair!!!

This is me and my cousin, we were in maybe 9th grade?? At least my hair was tame at this point!

Me and my sister...I think i was in 11th grade...we loved to fish...still do

Okay this is a pretty good idea of how i was in high school...that's me in the front..i was a bit of a rebel wild child! I had a blast in high school. I think i was 18 here

Me with a cousin and my sister when i was like 23 maybe??

Moving right along...here is me and my husband...i was 25..sorry about the horrible quality..u get the gist though

I think I might be around 29 here...before i chopped my hair off

Me 9mon preg with Allie

This was my sisters wedding this summer. My dad, mom, sis, brother in law, my son, me, randy and my girls. Anna and Allie

This is me just the other day!!!

Love you Jenny and Lisa!!!

~Melissa

Easy...cheap...not the HEALTHIEST..but soo yummy

2008-10-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Okay I promised In a post awhile back that I would start sharing some cheap healthy recipes. This first one I will confess is not the HEALTHIEST one...but It's our favorite. I think it's cheap to make and it makes a lot...enough for leftovers, and I am ALL about leftovers!

"Melissa's Taco Bake" (My kids named it...wow..to have a taco bake named after you...i feel so special...lol)

1 14 oz box of the ever so famous Kraft Mac and Cheese

1 pound of lean ground hamburger

1 package of taco seasoning

3/4 cup of sour cream

1 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of salsa

Okay....so I am sure it does not take a genius to see where this recipe is going!! You prepare the mac and cheese. Brown the hamburger then add the taco seasoning to the hamburger. Stir the sour cream into the mac and cheese.Spoon half of the mac and cheese mixture into a baking pan, then put a layer of the meat mixture with some of the grated cheddar cheese on top of the mac and cheese...then.... yes...you guessed it....top the hamburger with the remaining mac and cheese mixture. Pop it in the oven COVERED for for 15 min at 400 degrees. The last 5 min....uncover and pour the salsa over top....and the rest of the grated cheddar cheese!!!

So ya....that's one of our favorite meals around here!! Sometimes I even buy some taco shells and we scoop up the dinner and eat it in a taco!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

The winner is......

2008-10-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

All the names went into the witch hat...all 105 of them!!

Anna was honored to pick the lucky winner!

The winner was....Janet Faye!! Ummm ya...I had just woke up before this...so excuse the crazy hair, no make up....lol

Thank you everyone so much for you participation!! I can't wait till the 50th post..I will make it bigger and better!! Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Jenny Kate's Giveaway!!

2008-10-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

My beautiful friend JennyKate is doing a 25th post giveaway! The giveaway is a SURPRISE!!! I love surprises! Head over and leave her a comment to enter! Plus her Blog is so much fun to read anyway...if you don't have her on your daily reads...you are seriously missing out!!!

http://jennykate77.blogspot.com/

~Melissa

What I am doing to help my family through this economic hardship...

2008-10-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Okay wow....I just noticed that It's 11:45pm...wayyy past my bedtime! But I just felt like reaching out to others who are going through hard times with this crazy economy. I am a stay at home mom (a domestic goddess I say) and my husband is gone so much working so hard. Don't get me wrong...I work my butt off too...as all you stay at home mom's do. But I just want to help financially....I feel the need to take some of the burden off my amazing husband. He is in the trucking industry and it slows down quiet a bit in the winter...and with the way the economy is we are a little scared. So what am I doing to pitch in? Here is a list...and hey....maybe you guys can take away some tips for your family:

1. First and foremost, I have FINALLY been taught by my husband how to SAVE money. It has taken me about 6 yrs with him to FINALLY get it!! I was not taught to save...just spend! So in this pastyear or so, I put a certain amount of money each week in savings regardless of anything. I just do it...I tell myself that money is not mine..I don't even consider it...it just goes in savings. PERIOD. Now, like i said it took me 6 YEARS to get it....but boy oh boy I am so grateful that I did. Now we have savings to always fall back on through tough times. Savings...is just overall good for your health....seriously!

2. I thought about what it is that I love. I love candles!!! I love the way they smell and soothe me...I love everything about them. Even sitting reading, looking at the flame relaxes me. So...I opened my own candle shop on Etsy.com. It has taken some money here and there to get started....But it's starting to really pay off. I love making them...absolutely love it, and I am putting some money into savings as well, and that makes me feel so proud.

3. Okay...seriously...I NEVER thought I would clip coupons!!! But I am to the point now where I look forward to my coffee on Sunday morning with ALL my ad's and I clip...clip away!! My husband so gets a kick out of it! I now make grocery shopping a huge game for me. I LOVE IT!!! I found this site (it was actually on Oprah the other day) it's http://www.couponmom.com/ it is awesome!! She teaches you how to save money...i mean save BIG money!! I went from spending 150.00 A WEEK to about 79.00 a week! I was so mad today because i really wanted to be under 70.00. Next week is another challenge! I also add things up mentally in my head as I go through the store. I tried a calculator...but with a 18mon old in the seat in front of me...that did not work out so well! But adding it in my head really helps me to know where I am at..and what I can get and CANNOT get (those are typically the wants..not needs). I have really spent time figuring out healthy meals that are cheaper. I will start posting some of those meal ideas often. Saving money grocery shopping is really a huge way that I feel that I can help out and make an impact. So as the CEO of my household....I am taking charge!!

4. We use to eat out sooo much. Now we NEVER do!! It took some adjusting for the kids...but they are over it now. We did get Taco Bell tonight.....It only cost 14.00...but I was still mad at myself for caving!! I cannot believe how much we have saved by cutting all the eating out OUT!!

5. CASH....I only use cash. I give myself an allowance for the week, when it's gone....IT'S GONE.

6. Finally...I just really try and recite this word to myself constantly, "SIMPLICITY". I try so hard to focus on what is important. My answer is always the same, "Time...time with the one's I love". Quality time that is. When someone dies....it's not the materials they own that anyone will give a crap about, it's the memories that they leave behind. It's the TIME. So in all the madness...Just breathe....i mean breathe deep (right now) and be happy for your family and what you DO have.

Anyway....wow....If you made it this far...I hope you got something out of it!!!

love....love....love

Candle Giveaway Update

2008-10-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Sheesh...I'm sorry, I did not even mention a date that I would draw a lucky winner! I am going to have my kids pick a name on Sat Morning...October 11th (I will even take pictures of her drawing!

Thank you so so much everyone for you participation! I have really enjoyed reading your comments and finding out your favorite scents! I entered into two different craft fairs in December and In November and I want to have scents that will sell...sell..sell, so it has been great to have your input!

Thanks again everyone! Good luck!!

25th post giveaway!

2008-10-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a giveaway at every 25th post. I am new to the blogging world...but I must say that I am so loving it! So in honor of my 25th post....I will be giving away 2 pumpkin spice filled pumpkin candles and one 8oz , Jar candle...the scent will be the choice of the winner!

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me your most favorite candle scent. Leaving a comment will get your name in the hat one time. If you mention my giveaway and post my candle store on your blog...that will get you 10 entries into the hat! If you decide to do a post about my giveaway, just let me know in my comments!

http://www.crazydaisycandles.etsy.com/

Thank you so much for your support with my handmade candle store!! Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

A glimpse of Colorado in the Fall....

2008-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday My husband had a brilliant idea! We took the kids up to the Mountains to see the leaves and the Elk. We took our little Coleman grill and had an awesome picnic...with the most amazing scenery surrounding us. It was just a simple...beautiful day that I will never forget! Here are a couple of pictures of Colorado in The Fall! So beautiful.....

We saw hundreds of Elk that day, this one was bugling at another male

I love this picture...how Allie is looking at her big brother!

Okay...I am off to whip up some candles! Have a wonderful Monday!

Friday Confessions.....

2008-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here are my Friday Confessions for the week:

1. I let Allie (my 18 Mon old) sleep with me twice this week.

2. I stayed up one night until 2am watching 4 episodes of prison break. I get the seasons from Net Flix

3. I have not done laundry since Tuesday!!

4. I got the kids Wendy's last night

5. When Allie is napping...i should be cleaning...although this week I was on the computer every chance i got to myself! Which means I have a ton of cleaning to do today!!

6. On Sunday I completely spaced out Michael's confirmation class at church...I am still so mad at myself for this one!

7. I had a coke (coke cola that is) That is my biggest weakness...i love pop and its just horrible! I only had one for the week though...i guess that's okay.

Things That I am proud of this week:

1. I managed to loose 4 lbs...Mostly by NOT eating past 6pm (which is SO DANG HARD)

2. When I took Anna to Ice skating lessons last night...i walked right past the coffee shop and DID NOT go in and get a rice crispy treat made with peanut butter and choc chips!!

3. I had to practice skating with Anna before her lesson and I did not fall ONCE!!

4. I only spent $80.00 for groceries yesterday....I have started calculating mentally in the store and clipping coupons. Those two things have got my bill down from 150.00 a week to 80.00!!

5. I cleaned out my car...the whole nine yards...vacume..windex...armoral wipes!!

6. I helped a girl in the Walmart parking lot who claimed she ran out of gas. She looked homeless to me...I gave her money and said a quick prayer as she walked off.

7. I went on a bargain mission and managed to buy treat bags and stuff to fill them for Anna's Halloween party at school for like 12.00!

I hope everyone had a good week....and I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead!! Remember to count your blessings!!!

October is almost here!!!

2008-09-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that October is just a few days away!! Me and my girls dug out the Halloween decorations today! This year was a challenge because my daughter Anna demanded that we do not take down the "regular fall" decorations because even though it's Halloween...it's still Fall too!! I usually take down the fall stuff during October and put it back up after Halloween for November. Here is a picture of the front of the house. My sweet corn did horrible this year...but at least I get to use the stalks for decorating!!

Here is what I will be busy with this week! I have some orders to complete with these adorable Hallowween candle holders. I bought extra...they will be in my candle store by the end of the week! They are 3.50 a piece or 2 for 5.00. They will be filled with pumpkin spice candles...they smell wonderful!! I make my candles with soy wax, so they will clean up with just a bit of soapy water so that you can reuse them for votives!! http://www.crazydaisycandles.etsy.com/

Okay...I am off to watch It's the Great pumpkin Charlie Brown with my girls!! Oh and happy Birthday to my lovely Jenny Kate on Oct 1st!!! I hope your package makes it on time! Love you

Things I buy:

2008-09-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

I know this is a completely random Blog...but I thought it would be fun to make a list of things or products that I always buy, then to see some of your lists of things that YOU all buy on a regular basis!

1. Starbucks breakfast blend coffee
2. Followed with Coffee mate Hazelnut creamer (such a must)
3. Tony Chacheres original creole seasoning (seriously, this stuff makes hamburger helper taste like a gourmet meal) :)
4. Pureology shampoo and conditioner (in the purple bottle) :)
5. Tide WITH downy
6. Downy liquid fabric softener (love this)
7.Dove body wash
8.Intuition razor (oh my gosh...seriously...this thing is awesome..the soap is built onto the razor..wow..genius!!)
9.Wild honeysuckle hand soap and lotion from bath and body works
10. Calvin Klein Eternity perfume (I have been wearing this for like 10 yrs...i just love it!)
11. Huggies
12. germ-X Soft wipes (oh man these are amazing...being a bit of a germaphobic girl....these go everywhere with me. They are at Walmart by the check out stands...they are individually wrapped BIG disposable antibacterial soft wipes! I love them
13.GoGurt...seriously...I don't know how we ever get along without these???
14. I always have to have wonderful smelling candles at hand..lucky I make my own now...so I always have a good stock! I burn them morning to night!! I love fall and winter scents

Okay so I admit since I have no projects going on at the time (besides candle making).....I was having a bit of Bloggers Block :) But the post was fun to write while drinking my morning coffee anyway!!

Have a brilliant Thursday everyone!! Tonight is the season premier of Ugly Betty....I LOVE THAT SHOW!!! woo hoo

My Bucket List

2008-09-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

My new wonderful blogger friend "French" did a bucket list on her blog. There is a wonderful movie called the Bucket list about two men who get to do all the things they ever wanted to do before they die. So here is my bucket list if I had an endless supply of money (these are just in a random order):

FIRST I would be talking to God even more than I do now...and I would give my church WAY more than I do now.....

THEN...my husband and whole family would quit there jobs and do whatever they LOVE.....

1. Go on a cruise around the world with my husband.

2. See my kids grow into happy adults with families of there own

3. Rent out homes for dirt cheap if not free to single mothers

4. take trips to: Ireland, Italy, Africa and Spain

5. Buy a home in the mountains

6. Move my best friend Lisa and her family to Colorado

7. Open a store/coffee shop with Lisa

8. Go to a sooners game with my friend Jennykate...then go shopping and buy "US" whatever we want!!!

9. Buy my dad a white jeep

10. Provide for my entire family

11. Go on the Ellen show to hug her and dance with her!!

12. Take my kids to Disney world

13. Go with my husband to a Nascar race

14. give to dozens of charities every single month (oh...how i would love to do that)

15. Go back to Alaska and do everything we did on our honeymoon over again

16. On Halloween...i would travel all the way to Oregon to get pumpkins from the Roloff farms!! (im a little weird..i know this) lol

17. Run a marathon...i will do this!!!

18. see a show in New York

19. swim with dolphins

20. Sky dive...maybe

21. go fly fishing with my husband whenever we want

22. wake up with randy every morning and have coffee together

wow...i had wayyyy to much fun with this!!! I'm sure there would be 50 more things on my list...but the girls want out of the tub...so i better run!!! Thanks French...this was fun! :)

Okay friends...now I wanna see your "Bucket list"

Just Something I wrote....

2008-09-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Wow....It is so high up here, but it is so beautiful! I am looking down at this huge place we call Earth. Wow...everything is so small..almost insignificant from where I am at.
I see all these little people running around so fast....In circles in seems
I see little cars driving around so fast...so fast...everyone is in such a rush
I see people running out of stores..with lots of stuff...LOTS and LOTS of STUFF
I see people sad..some people are sad because they don't think they have enough? I'm confused...they have a nice looking house...full with PLENTY of food to eat, a car that gets them from A to B. Pretty grass in the yard to enjoy with the kids. Those people have it made! I see these other people sad because they are hungry and they feel so helpless watching there babies starve...now that is a sad place to be...I wish all these other people could get a glimpse of their sadness for just a minute.
I see People stressing over what they don't have...they are so stressed that they are not even noticing what they DO have. Wow...and they have sooo much...I wish they could just see from up here!
I see people in such a hurry and...so many people shushing there kids to be quiet because they are so stressed and in a hurry.
I see people lying and cheating to get to the top. Where is the top?? I AM ON TOP....this is where the top is......and it is looking not so pretty looking down.

****

I see beautiful flowers and beautiful green leaves blowing on the trees. I see mothers hugging and loving their kids...oh how the kids LOVE to feel this love and warmth. I see families playing together at parks and having picnics. Wow...these are the beautiful things,,,,these are the things that really matter...these are all the things that the kids will remember.
I am so happy that I had the chance to be up here on this star...it was a beautiful view and wow.....so insightful! I hope that my vision helped someone else out there to think twice about what are time here on earth is really about. All I know is that I am going to breath...and just slow down....

A dose of Randomness....

2008-09-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Okay so I find myself on this brilliant Tuesday having random things to blog to you all about. First things first......last night while preparing a grilled cheese for my daughter, I set the stove on fire!! I had totally forgotten that while in the process of making instant mashed potato's to go with my meatloaf on Sunday dinner, it had overflowed out of the pan and left a mess in the burner! So I have to admit that I have had a small stove fire before, although it went out after just hitting it a few times with a kitchen towel. This time was a bit different....I look over and POOF...flames were coming up around the skillet, so I grabbed my pumpkin towel off the oven and I started swatting it, only it kept getting bigger and bigger! I was so scared...the kids were at the table watching me, prob thinking that there mom is nuts! I was screaming and I just kept hitting it...finally....it went out and the kitchen was full of smoke!! So the real funny part about the story was later that evening. I was in the living room with my 4yr old Anna. She looked up on the ceiling and freaked out at the sight of a fly (she hates flies) so...i jump up to get a fly swatter and she says to herself, "Geese...first our house is on fire...then there's a fly!" Oh my goodness...i was cracking up, she is so dang cute!!

Okay...so moving along! I just recently discovered thrift stores!! I know what your thinking, "Where on Earth has this girl been hiding?" Anyway...better late than never, I am so addicted now! Searching for treasures to clean and fix up and make my own is just so much fun! Here are some recent things I found:

I thought this piece of furniture was adorable! I can't wait to paint it and make it beautiful! I am not sure where I will put it...but Anna has made it quiet clear that it would look perfect in HER room!

I am like a "Jar scavenger" I love to use recycled glass to make my homemade candles in my etsy store! I thought those xmas mugs would be perfect to hold some Holiday scents!

Okay My list bit of randomness is regarding my poor African Violet! My mother in law gave it to me. For my husbands grandmothers funeral someone gave a beautiful African Violet plant. Well it got so big that My Mother in law took it to a nursery and had it re potted in several different little pots. I was so happy when she gave me one. It was special to me because I loved Randy's grandma so dearly, and it was sentimental to me. I have never been good with plants so I was worried right away that i would kill it. It is not doing so well....I was told that it needs to sit in an East facing window, which I do not have ONE!! So it faces the North. I water it once a week like i was told, and I even purchased African Violet food to mix with the water! Still it is limp and dying before my eyes...I don't know what else to do?? Any advice out there?? I know it's just a plant...and I seriously prob sound like a drama queen...but this plant means a lot to me.

Okay...that is my ramblings for the day!!! I hope you all have a wonderful Bliss filled day!!!

Something to inspire YOU

2008-09-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

This day is the day YOUR dreams start coming true. And setting them in motion is simple. Just make today a day to believe, not doubt. A day to hope, not to fear. A day to act, instead of holding back. A day to imagine the best future possible. Because that's what lies ahead!

Get your Fall Candles!!

2008-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things I spent time doing this summer was perfecting the art of candle making. I have to admit...when I started this venture of mine, I had no idea that it would actually be an "art". I was thinking I could throw a wick in a glass mason jar...melt up some wax..add some scent and let it cool! Well....ya...you can do it that way if you don't mind the candles hollowing out in the middle with a max burn time of...say like 10 min! Or if you don't mind having to literally stick your nose in the flame to smell the scent (which i do not recommend doing!) OUCH

So anyway....after months of trial and error, I finally got my candles just the way I love my candles to be! Beautiful and so strong that the scent lingers throughout my whole house! I am so proud of them, and I must say that I am quiet addicted to creating new scents!

I now have several Fall scents in my candle store just waiting to cozy up your home! I make my candles very decorative and they make a perfect gift! I just added SOY candles to my store!

http://www.crazydaisycandles.etsy.com/

First day of PRE K

2008-09-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

"It's not pre school....it's PRE K!" That's what Anna will be quick to tell anyone who dares call it pre school! Yesterday was her first day and she was so excited...not to mention so adorable! She is such a girly girl...it cracks me up! She had her clothes ready the night before, and everything has to match!! I just take so much joy every single day being a mom....watching my kids grow is just an amazing journey. Thank you God for my three children!!

Harvest Fest

2008-09-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the Fall! This past weekend me and my husband took the kids to the local Harvest Fest. It was such a great day; watching Anna on the ponies, seeing Allie's face light up in the petting zoo, seeing Michael's face light up when he saw the kettle corn booth (so yummy)! The best part of the day was when we got ready to leave and instead crying for more, Anna looked up and said, "Thank you mommy and daddy for taking us today". **sigh** Me and my husband must be doing something right!! Days like these remind me what's important to me in life....My family and enjoying the simplicity of life!

I asked my husband, "Please honey can I get a baby goat?"

Anna looking so proud on the pony ride, with her daddy by her side!

Of course she had to go for the pink bucket!

Michael is the ultimate big brother!

Remember to count your blessings and enjoy the simple things in life!

Fall flower arrangement

2008-09-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Okay so I was at Michael's searching for the perfect Fall arrangement for my kitchen table. I really did not want to spent $75.00..thats how much the one was that I really had my eye on! I decided to make my own...not from scratch though...because that still would have been like $40.00 (geese...i sure am getting cheap). So I was thinking that maybe I could buy a couple of berry and fall leaf twigs and just add them to my existing summer table arrangement!! It worked...I think it looks great and I ended up spending only about $8.00! Woo hoo!!

Happy Fall...and be sure to go to http://theinspiredroom.net/ for other fall decorating tips!!

~Melissa

My soul sister

2008-09-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not to sure how I got so lucky to find my best friend and soul mate sister....but I thank god everyday that I have! I wanted to dedicate this post to her and to her AMAZING creativity! I have never seen such beautiful things as I do in her etsy stores. Please please check them out....this would be a great place to find those unique special holiday gifts!

http://www.PumpkinPinkCottage.etsy.com

and

http://www.thecreativecrown.etsy.com

~Melissa

Fall...Fall...Fall...Oh how I love the Fall

2008-09-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived...my most favorite season of the year! Me and my daughter started our Fall decorating.....and this is what we have so far! Check back soon...we are so not done yet!! Happy Fall! Please check out this wonderful website for other fall decorating ideas: http://theinspiredroom.net/

My Maddie

2008-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Maddie

1-15-01

8-23-08

I am not going to make this a long post. I just want to say that I had my little baby put to sleep last Sat morning. I will always love you Maddie...and I know in my heart that I will see you again.

Crazy Daisy Candles

2008-08-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yay....my new Etsy store opened up today! I am so thrilled, Candles have been a passion of mine for so long...and it has been so rewarding to make my own premium candles! Please check it out...I hope you find a scent you love, right now I have all the yummy fall scents out! I love the fall and I love all the divine fall scents!! Thank you so much for being here to share in my adventure!!

http://www.crazydaisycandles.etsy.com/

~Melissa

My favorite recipe from my Mother in Law

2008-08-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

If you love cucumbers.....you will love this cucumber salad! I have borrowed several recipes from my mother in law, but this one is my favorite hands down!

Cucumber salad:

4 large cucumbers

1 white onion

1 cup of mayonnaise

4 tbs. of Vinegar

1/2 cup of sugar

1/4 tsp. of salt

Peel and slice the cucumbers. Slice the onion. Mix the mayo, sugar, salt and vinegar together. Pour over the cucumbers and onion in a big bowl. Chill in refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Enjoy....Yum!!!

~Melissa

My new Venture!

2008-08-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately. I am going to open a new Etsy store soon. It will be called, "Crazy Daisy candles". I have to admit candle making has been tougher than I imagined! I am still trying to perfect them! I want them to smell up my whole upstairs before I open my new store! I am trying to hurry though....so that I can get out all the fall scents..(which are my favorite). I will keep you updated on my store grand opening!!

~Melissa

My Etsy Store!!

2008-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my...I am having so much fun working on my Etsy store! I started my store out small (well..it's still pretty small) with fun home made bookmarks. Slowly but surly I have been adding jewelry. Tonight I made a necklace that I am so proud of, I call it, "The key to LoVe" It is so beautiful and versatile. It can double up for a choker effect, or it can hang low (which is highly fashionable right now) :) It can also be worn as a belt over your shirt. I made a matching pair of earrings to go with it! My first time making earrings...YAY ME!!! I cannot wait to make various necklaces just like these..but with difftent colors.

Please check out my store...and visit often as I will always be adding new things!!

With much love

~Melissa

It's all in the presentation!

2008-06-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

On Fathers day, we had a BBQ here at my house. I put out an appetizing veggie tray..as I always do, and my kids just love it! Any other time I put some carrots or celery on a plate with dip..they will maybe eat a couple...but when its all pretty on a relish tray...they flock to it like candy!!

So...I decided Today...just a regular summer day...i would make a veggie tray and set it out for the kids! They loved it...and so did I!! It's so easy and convenient, just put it back in the fridge and pull it out throughout the day!! For some reason it never dawned on me to make a relish tray on any other day besides a holiday or get together!! So anyway...that's my healthy eating tip for the day!!

loving the adventure~

melissa

The Denver Zoo

2008-06-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

I purchased season tickets for the zoo this year. It is so nice to pack up the kids a couple days a week and just head out to the zoo! We never seem to get tired of it...and we are always creating wonderful memories in the process! Today was extra special because my new camera is making it's first debut! I am really happy with the pictures (thrilled actually) I love to take pictures and it's so awesome to finally have a camera with optical zoom!! It seemed as though all the animals were a little lazy and loungy today...as you will see! I had lots of photo requests...so I hope i did not let any of you down!! I hope you enjoy........

There were all types of families enjoying the zoo today!

When i took this picture...i was thinking of me and you Lisa..inseparable!!
This one is for you Lisa...does this picture rock or what???

This is one of my favorite animals at the zoo...these sea horses are so delicate!

This photo is just priceless!!

One of my most favorite animals to admire at the zoo..just beautiful!

Okay...Lisa, does this animal not have the SAME eyes as those really cute dolls that you like?

These are for you my sweet Jenny Kate!!

Happy Feet!!

See what I mean?? They were all so tired!! look at those foot prints!

Oh my goodness...I love these animals..it's a mongoose! look at his ears!

Another favorite of mine!!

Allie watching her brother and sister on the merry go round!

I am so proud of this picture..look at that little bee!!

I hope you enjoyed a little piece of the Denver Zoo!!!

~Much Love, Melissa

i have entered the blogging world!

2008-06-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wow...this is so cool! I have joined my friends in the blog world! I love to read other people's blogs...and i am so hoping that my blogs are equally entertaining and helpful! I am so excited to share my daily adventures..as well as my daily challenges!!

~much love...Melissa